News Reports

West Salem, OR

Clogged dryer vent causes fire at home

June 30, 2006

A fire at a West Salem home Thursday morning was caused by a lint-clogged dryer vent, Salem fire officials said.
The fire at 4862 Eola Drive NW was reported about 6:35 a.m. after homeowner Chris Stalnaker found the fire in the laundry room, said deputy fire marshal Bill Holmstrom of the Salem Fire Department.

Stalnaker was doing the third load of laundry since recently moving into the home.

Firefighters were delayed in locating the house because there wasn't an address number visible from the main road, Holmstrom said.

After driving up the home's long driveway and finding light smoke, crews extinguished the fire within minutes.
No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated at $2,000.

Holmstrom said dryer owners should clean vent hoses at least once every three months to reduce the fire danger.

Residents also should check to make sure that street addresses are visible to emergency responders from a main road.