Fire Went Out in the Middle of the Night

BillyV

Doing a pork butt and the fire went out during the night. It had been cooking for approx 8 hours. I'm guessing the fire went out about 3 hours ago. Will I be safe in just re-lighting and continuing the cook?[p]Many thanks,
Bill

Unknown

BillyV,[p]Almost too many factors to make that call. Rule of thumb - err on the side of safety.[p]You're allowed four hours total in the danger zone of 40 - 140 degrees. That's total including all the way pack to being processed. You said it cooked for eight hours. Without knowing it's original weight it's tough to answer. Did the butt get above 140? Is there any chance it is still above 140 degrees? If so, fire your egg back up. If not, I would not want to chance making someone sick over a $10 piece of meat no matter how much time and effort went into cooking. It's just not worth the risk to me.[p]Chalk this one up to experience and start over. It will make you appreciate the finished product even more.

BlueSmoke

Rodney,
This is EXACTLY why I wish there were a relatively inexpensive recording thermometer that could be fitted with a Polder probe. Even if you read the temp at the instant the fire went out, all you know is what it was then, what it is now, and how long it took to get here.
I'm with you. "When in doubt, toss it out." (Personally, I'd fire up if the current temp were anywhere above the mid 130's, while holding the shoulder in the oven at 300º)
Ken

BillyV

Rodney,
Thanks. Switched to a beef brisket.[p]Bill