Clothes Dryer Fires

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 15,500 fires causing 10 deaths and 310 injuries annually are attributed to clothes dryers. Some of these fires occur when lint is allowed to accumulate in the filter or in the exhaust duct. Under certain conditions, when lint blocks the flow of air, excessive heat buildup can cause a fire.

Most manufacturers that get their clothes dryer approved by Underwriters Laboratories specify the use of metal exhaust duct. Often flexible plastic exhaust duct is used for clothes dryers. This type of duct is more apt to trap lint and should be checked frequently. In all cases, install and maintain the dryer vent duct in accordance with manufacturers specifications.

The dryer lint filter also can be a source of overheating. Clean the filter after each load of laundry. If there are signs that the dryer is operating hotter than normal, this may be a sign that an accumulation of lint exists or that the dryer's temperature control thermostat needs servicing.

SERVICE TIP - REMOVING LINT ACCUMULATIONS

It is fairly easy to clean the dryer vent system. First move the unit away from the wall and disconnect the vent duct. Inspect the visible cavities and clear lint as required. Next connect a leaf blower (lawn tool) to the vent connection at the wall. Tape around the connection with duct tape and then turn the leaf blower on. If possible, go to the exhaust location and remove any buildup of lint that has been blown through. This procedure should be repeated annually, use a birthday as a reminder.

We see approximately 5% of houses that have the dryer vent ducting either dumping lint into the attic or crawlspace. Dryer lint is VERY flammable. We actually did an inspection where the dryer ducting vented into the attic, less than 4 feet from the furnace, which was also installed in the attic!!! The entire furnace housing was covered with a 1/4" of lint. The owner said he had been living there for 12 years and never knew there was a serious safety issue in his house. Check your house today.