Township Residents Home Saved by Quick Work

Robbinsville Township- During the mid day hours of January 31, firefighters were dispatched to 28 Chattham Court for a report of a  fire in the 2nd floor laundry room. Luckily enough, Rescue 140-10 was around the corner clearing up from a recent EMS run at Project Freedom on Hutchinson Road when the call came in. The quick response by 140-10 allowed firefighters to investigate the reported fire and reveal that there was a dryer that was on fire. Firefighters from 140-10 used a water can to contain the fire to the dryer when Engine 40 arrived on scene and assisted with extinguishing the fire. Engine 40 and Tower 17 provided ventilation to clear the smoke from the structure. All units, Station 40, Engine 12, and Tower 17, were on scene for approximately 45 minutes (Engine 19 was recalled while enroute). The fire was contained to the dryer and some damage was sustained to the carpet areas. 

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Website

Dryers & washing machines

Dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 25 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 1999-2002.

Facts and figures

- Dryers and washing machines were involved in an average of 13,300 home structure fires per year between 1999 and 2002. These fires caused an average of 10 deaths, 280 injuries and $97 million in direct property damage per year.

- Clothes dryers and washing machines were involved in 4% of the home structure fires reported between 1999 and 2002.

- Clothes dryers accounted for 93% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 3%.

- The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (30%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (19%). Sixteen percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or short circuit.

- Almost one third (31%) of these fires started with the ignition of clothing. In one quarter (24%), dust, fiber, or lint was the first item ignited.

	Do not operate the dryer without a lint filter. Clean lint filters before or after each use and remove accumulated lint from around the drum.
	Make sure that the dryer is plugged into an outlet suitable for its electrical needs as overloaded electrical outlets can result in blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.
	Turn the dryer off when leaving the home.
	Keep the dryer area clear of combustibles (i.e., boxes or clothing).
	Dryers should be installed and serviced by a professional.
	Have gas-powered dryers inspected by a professional regularly to ensure that the gas line and connection are intact.

Source: NFPA's "U.S.Home Product Report, Appliances and Equipment" report by John R. Hall Jr., November, 2005.

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