News Reports

Officials Warn About Dryer Lint After House Fire

(CBS)

COACHELLA, Calif. Fire officials Monday reminded people to remove lint from clothes dryers after a clogged dryer sparked a house fire in Coachella over the weekend.

The fire occurred at 11:15 a.m. Saturday at a home in the 52000 block of Shady Lane. No one was injured.

Responding fire crews found the household "filled with smoke" and quickly extinguished the fire, which started in the garage and later spread to the kitchen and attic, according to a statement issued by Riverside County Fire
Department spokesman Patrick Chandler.

"Apparently while the dryer was running in the garage, some of the lint in the dryer vent caught fire," according to the statement.

"You can prevent dryer fires using some of the following safety tips: Clean the lint filter regularly and make sure the dryer is operating properly. Clean the filter after each load of clothes. While the dryer is operating, check the outside exhaust to make sure exhaust air is escaping normally," Chandler said in the statement.

"Inspect the duct for kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow," the statement advised. "If there are signs that the dryer is hotter than normal, this may be a sign that the dryer's temperature control thermostat needs servicing."

Chandler also suggested that anyone shopping for a dryer should look for flexible metal ducts instead of plastic ones, unless the manufacturer permits plastic ducting.