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Clothes Dryer Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire.
Here are some tips to help prevent dryer fires:
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Never leave your house with the dryer still running; if a fire starts you won’t be there to take corrective action. |
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Lint build-up is the leading cause of dryer fires. Lint accumulation, in the dryer and dryer vent, reduces airflow which creates a highly combustible source. Remove lint from the filter before or after each use. |
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Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. |
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Restricted dryer vents cause reduced air flow and high temperatures in the dryer. Look for lint accumulation and any other blockages and have them fixed. |
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Use a sheet-metal or non combustible code compliant dryer vent. If a fire starts in a plastic exhaust pipe it can melt away quickly, increasing the chances that fire will spread. |
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Tidy up: Do not pile up laundry or other items on top of the dryer or near the sides, the fewer combustible materials around the dryer, the better. |
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Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with chemicals such as , cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket. |
Check your smoke alarms regularly to ensure that they are working.
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