Soufles that don't rise

So yesterday I followed my Nestle ramadan recipe book and tried to make a soufle ( well it was caled lemon and orange cake). I spent what seemed like hours getting the egg whites into ”peaks” and ”folded it carefully” into the mixture. While carrying the roasting pan of 3/4 boiling (??) water- should the water have been 3/4 boiling or the pan 3/4 full?- I burnt my thumb.   55 minutes later my 6 year old asked me why the oven was on fire.