This dream may symbolize a situation in your waking life where you are feeling overwhelmed and struggling to keep things under control. The old work colleague represents a part of yourself that you have recently reconnected with, possibly a past skill or talent that you are now utilizing. The kitchen and cooking may represent your ability to nourish and sustain yourself. The stew and pies may symbolize different aspects of your life that you are trying to balance and manage. The small white oven may represent a minor issue or problem that you are trying to contain. However, the fact that it overheats and sets on fire suggests that this issue is becoming more serious and difficult to handle. The fire extinguisher may represent your ability to take quick action and put out the fire, but the fact that the oven sets on fire again suggests that the problem is not fully resolved. This may indicate that you need to find a different approach or solution to effectively deal with this issue. The hob near the stew may symbolize a place of warmth and comfort, where you can temporarily place the pies while you deal with the oven. This may suggest that taking a break or seeking support from others can help you manage the situation. Overall, this dream may be a reflection of your current struggles and the need to find a balance between different aspects of your life.