The machine runs low on water and the power cord flames??? NOT GOOD!!
If you ran it low on water. maybe the heating element would get the housing warm before it would burn out (and act like a fuse, stop drawing current), but power cord should have not have burned like that...are these things listed w/ UL or CSA?? Something doesn't smell right...
If you get it working again, be careful with it, its not worth risking a fire!