Abstract: The pilot burner assembly and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes a pilot burner having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the pilot burner includes a hood that is positioned adjacent to an igniter and a thermocouple. The middle portion of the pilot burner includes at least one opening providing an air inlet. During situations where LDO (lint-dust-oil) build-up has occurred, the hood will continue to provide flame to a main burner, but the flame to heat the thermocouple will shrink or lift to the point where it no longer can heat the thermocouple sufficiently to generate enough power to allow for a safety magnet valve to remain energized. This will result in the shutting-off of the associated gas-fired device.