Home Safety Tip: Dryer Fires

Clothes dryers are among the most common type of equipment involved in home fires, ranking third behind stoves and heaters. Every year dryer fires cause considerable damages, injuries and deaths in North America.

While lack of maintenance is the leading causes of dryer fires others are causes by faulty wiring, part failure or combustible stored to close to the dryer. To help avoid such fires the Comox Fire Department offers the following suggestions:

• Clean the lint filter after each use and wipe away any lint that may have accumulated around the drum.
• Do not run the dryer without a lint filter. This allows lint to accumulate around the drum and motor areas.
• Ensure that the dryer is plugged into a suitable electrical outlet.
• Do not leave your dryer running if you go out. It could malfunction and require your attention.
• Make sure that the air exhaust vent pipe is unobstructed and the outside flaps open. Clean the entire pipe regularly and do not block the flaps.
• Keep combustibles, such as boxes and other clothing well away.
• Gas fueled dryers should be inspected periodically by a professional to make sure the gas line and connections are intact and leak-free.
• Only use the dryer for its intended purpose and according to the manufacture instructions.
• Avoid continuous use of your dryer. Give it a rest period between loads.

Comox Fire Chief Gord Schreiner says: “A dryer fire can really ruin your day so please take these steps to reduce the chance of your dryer causing a serious problem in your home”. For more information regarding dryer safety or any other fire safety issues please contact your local fire department.