diff --git a/app/igneum-app/src/engine.rs b/app/igneum-app/src/engine.rs
index 0f9d536a9..c1dee45ca 100644
--- a/app/igneum-app/src/engine.rs
+++ b/app/igneum-app/src/engine.rs
@@ -3859,10 +3859,11 @@ impl Engine {
             self.shared.log(&format!("heat: release ({why}); the miners restart"));
             let now = Instant::now();
             for m in self.miners.iter_mut() {
-                if m.watch.faulted().is_none() {
+                // no permanent fault (7 October 2026): every slot restarts; a ladder delay in force stays as scheduled
+                if m.restart_at.map(|at| at <= now).unwrap_or(true) {
                     m.restart_at = Some(now);
-                    m.prepared = false;
                 }
+                m.prepared = false;
             }
         }
     }