The smell that comes from a house fire is a smell one will never forget. When my grandparents’ dryer caught fire in the basement, they called the fire department but did not make a claim on their homeowners, although they had to spend a lot of money on restoration costs.
Fortunately for them, at the same time, my mom and uncle had a construction company that specialized in fire restoration services. Most of their clients were commercial claims, but they did do this one residential job to help their parents get their home back into safe living conditions immediately.
Sometimes, calamities like tornadoes, fires, or floods can wipe out a family’s history in one failed swoop. Unfortunately, a few years after my grandparents’ dryer fire, my aunt (their youngest) had her home go up in flames in the middle of the night while she and her five children were sleeping peacefully.
The event occurred because a squirrel crawled into their electric transformer box, chewed on some wires, and caught fire, sending flames down the power lines into their home. Then, flames blew out a light in the basement, which caught the HVAC units on fire, exploding out the basement window near their gas-powered golf cart.
It continued to get worse within seconds because once the flames reached the golf cart’s gas tank, it exploded and lit the house on fire from the outside, which left the home to burn from all sides, structurally crumbling from all sides within a matter of minutes.
Thankfully, my family members had fire evacuation charts and previously ran drills in their home. When they were newly married, they ran a group home, so they had the know-how and experience to ensure a property and its occupants understood safety protocols.
The safety drills and “whatever” runs the Universe saved all seven of them, their two dogs, and even the stray outdoor cat they “adopted” made it out alive. The fire chief said it was nothing short of a miracle that they made it out in time, uninjured (physically). They suffered from depression, anxiety, and nightmares for many years afterward but courageously persisted in putting their lives back together. However, this time, they had better coverage and bought a stone house!
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) research:
- “2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year.
- These fires caused annual averages of 13 civilian deaths, 444 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage.
- The vast majority of fires (92%) involved clothes dryers.
- The leading items first ignited in dryer fires were dust, fiber or lint (26% of total) and clothing (26%), while items first ignited in washing machine fires were part of the appliance itself, including wire or cable insulation (26%), appliance housing or casing (24%), and drive belt (11%),”.
Dryer fire warning signs
Okay, so those are some startling numbers for dryer fires. My sons wonder why I am constantly reminding them to clean the lint out after each use and never to leave or go to sleep with it on either. Let’s see what the experts have to say.
In a Better Homes and Gardens article, they cited the following warning signs to look out for when assessing if your dryer vent could potentially cause a fire:
- “Your Dryer’s Auto-Shutoff Kicks In
- Lint Builds Up (keep an eye out for lint behind and under the washer and dryer as excess lint behind the dryer is a sign of a clogged vent system and can be very dangerous)
- Pet Hair Is Everywhere
- You Smell Mold
- Clothes Take Longer to Dry,”.
These signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning are relatively straightforward. For example, should you notice that your clothes are not drying within a normal cycle or if the machine feels excessively hot to the touch or emits a burning smell, these can all be indicators of a blocked vent. Additionally, if the laundry room becomes more humid than usual when the dryer is running, it’s a good sign that the vent isn’t allowing hot air and moisture to escape properly.
Another crucial step in dryer fire prevention is routine maintenance. The lint trap should be cleaned after every use to prevent blockages and make the dryer operate more efficiently. However, many people overlook the fact that lint can accumulate in the dryer vent over time, which is a leading cause of dryer fires. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning or inspecting the dryer vent at least once a year, but if you use the dryer heavily, it may need more frequent attention.
Investing in a professional dryer vent cleaning service can also be invaluable. These experts have specialized tools to reach deep within the vent system, ensuring that all debris, lint, and even potential nests from animals like birds or rodents are cleared away. This not only lowers the risk of fire but also can improve the efficiency and lifespan of your appliance.
Another tip is to be mindful of what you’re putting into the dryer. Certain materials are more prone to catching fire or overloading the machine, such as rubber-backed rugs, sporting gear with dense padding, or anything soaked in flammable substances. It’s crucial to read fabric care labels and follow the manufacturer’s instructions meticulously.
Moreover, keeping your laundry area tidy is a simple yet effective safety measure. Don’t store combustibles like cleaning supplies, paint thinners, or other chemicals near the dryer. Although it might seem convenient, it increases the risk if a spark were ever to escape the dryer unit.
Educate your household members about dryer safety practices. If you have teenagers who are learning how to do their laundry, emphasize the importance of never leaving the dryer running while they are out of the house or asleep. Engage them in helping to maintain the dryer, like ensuring the lint trap is emptied after their loads. This collective vigilance can make a significant difference in home safety.
Incorporate smoke detectors and fire extinguishers into your laundry area setup. Smoke detectors should be installed in the laundry room and interconnected with the rest of your home’s system. A basic ABC fire extinguisher can handle most small fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, or electrical equipment. Familiarize everyone in the house with how to use it in case of an emergency.
How often do dryer fires happen
In summary, while dryer fires can be alarming, numerous precautionary steps can significantly minimize the risks. Regular maintenance, being attentive to warning signs, educating the household, and investing in safety features are all part of a comprehensive strategy to keep your home safe. Being proactive not only protects your property but also ensures the safety and well-being of your loved ones.