Halesite Responds to Two Dryer Fires
Monday, October 17, 2011
The month of October has brought a change in seasons and also a series of dryer fires in our area. The first occured on October 4, 2011 and the second last night. Both fires occurred in Bay Hills and both occurred in the evening.
Dryer fires are dangerous and can quickly spread to contents in and around the machine and to the building itself. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 23 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2003-2006. In 2006, the NFPA says there was an estimated 17,700 reported U.S. non-confined or confined home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines resulted in 15 civilian deaths, 360 civilian injuries and $194 million in direct property damage. Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 3%. The NFPA adds that the leading cause of these home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (29%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (24%). Thirteen percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or short circuit.
Residents are reminded to keep dryers free of lint, dust and debris. They are also reminded to check smoke detectors to be sure they are working properly. As soon as an emergency is discovered residents should call 9-11 right away.
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