By RANDYL DRUMMER
Special to The Press-Enterprise

What's new: Dryer Vent Wizard opened in Murrieta 5 years ago. The operation specializes in cleaning out those often-overlooked crevices.

What it is: Dryer Vent Wizard is a franchise that cleans out, repairs and installs dryer vents and chutes for homes and businesses.

"If your clothes dryer takes longer than one cycle to dry a load, then you may have a fire hazard in your dryer vent," said owner Steve Gors, citing statistics by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission asserting that 15,500 fires a year are caused by clothes dryers.

Many of the fires result from lint that builds up inside the dryer vent chutes. Gors' mobile operation includes a van that carries vent-cleaning, repair and installation equipment.

"I'm looking to add two more vans as business ramps up," he said.

When it's open: Gors' services are available Monday through Saturday by appointment.

When it opened: September

Where it is: 26460 Arboretum Way No. 1207, Murrieta

About the owner: Gors, 56, has lived in southwest Riverside County for 22 years. He was most recently employed by FedEx Corp.

What's next: Gors is trying to establish networks to help his business get off the ground. "Our marketing plan revolves around letting the appliance repair centers know I can be a referral for those customers whose dryers aren't working and have a clogged dryer vent," he said. "I rely on the repairman to pass the lead on to me."

Find out more: 1-866-498-7233, on the Web at www.dryerventwizard.com or by e-mail at sgors@dryerventwizard.com