Clothes dryer fires are so common that relevant agencies across the nation did research and made studies to determine why it is so.
The most recent ones conducted by the US Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) includes the factors that mainly contribute to the occurrence of fires caused by a clothes dryer.
Based on combined data collected between 2002 to 2006, the main factor that ignites clothes dryer fires is the failure to clean the airways. Here is an in-depth look:
Failure To Clean Dryer Vents And Exhaust Ducts
The main reason why clothes dryer fires occur is that homeowners fail to clean their dryers as often as necessary. About 31 percent of clothes dryer fires are caused by failure to clean as compared to 23 percent which is caused by mechanical failure.
The occurrence of fires is also more common in homes occupied by one or two families only at 81 percent. The rest occur in multifamily and rental residential homes like hotels, condos, dorms, and the like, highlighting the importance of regular dryer vent cleaning.
Important Facts About Clothes Dryer Fires
It is important to know about in-depth information regarding clothes dryer fires so homeowners would be able to recognize the fire hazard and take necessary precautions to prevent tragedies.
- Fires that begin in clothes dryers are more common between 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight, peaking between 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
- The main cause of clothes dryer fires falls under the operation deficiency category. It accounts for 43 percent of all clothes dryer fires.
- When a fire in the clothes dryer begins, the first thing to catch fire is clothing that is inside the dryer at the time. If the dryer is empty, clothing nearby will be the first to ignite when a fire occurs. However, it is important to note that clothing worn by anyone nearby will most likely not ignite.
- Dust, fiber, and lint are also one of the things that will first ignite in a fire caused by the clothes dryer. This includes any dust, fiber, or lint that accumulates in any internal part of the dryer.
- Clothes dryer fires are common regardless of the type of dryer you have. Fire and burn incidents have been reported involving both electric-powered and gas-fueled dryers.
Clothes dryer fire is the most common cause of household fires. It can not be totally eliminated because dryers are considered a necessity by homeowners.
The best thing to do is to hire a professional that can make sure that you will have a clean dryer vent and that every nook and cranny are free of dust, fiber, and lint.
