Warning Issued Regarding Clothes Dryers

On these cold winter days, there's nothing nicer than warm clothes coming out of the dryer. However, if you're not careful those clothes can catch fire.

The 1998-99 annual report from the fire marshal's office shows that 18 clothes dryer fires caused more than $350,000 worth of damage that year. In recent months, there have been similar incidents in the province.

That's why the provincial fire marshal's office wants to remind the public of the dangers of clothes dryer fires.

"Many things such as chemicals, heat and lint can ignite a fire inside and outside dryers. People must be aware of the risks of fires caused by dryers," said provincial fire marshal Robert Cormier.

Institutional dryer fires may be caused by cleaning solutions left on materials. Cleaning rags or mops, for example, may not have all of the cleaning solutions removed during the wash cycle. The heat from the drying cycle may cause the materials to ignite and start a fire within the dryer. The fire marshal is urging institutions to thoroughly rinse materials before laundering. He also recommends that a staff person be present while the dryer is operating.

Private residents are also at risk of dryer fires. What most people do not realize about residential dryer fires is that some fires start after clothing has been removed from the dryer. A fire can be started merely by stacking hot, damp clothing. Sometimes the mixture of heat and moisture can cause combustion.

"We've investigated instances where a person put all of their newly washed and dried clothes on the bed or in the closet, only to hear their smoke detector go off," said Mr. Cormier. "This is a risk that the public needs to be aware of, so they can take steps to protect themselves from fire."

The fire marshal offers these tips for safe clothes drying:

• Clean the lint screen after every load. Not only will your clothes dry quicker, your dryer will operate more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire;
• Softener sheets can cause a waxy build-up on the lint screen. Wash the lint screen in warm soapy water and dry it completely before replacing it in the dryer;
• Have the interior of the dryer, lint screen and exhaust duct cleaned by a qualified service technician every 18 months;
• Keep an eye on your dryer while it's operating;
• Rinse materials with chemicals on them before washing and drying;
• Do not leave dryer on and go to bed;
• Do not operate the dryer if the lint screen is clogged or missing;
• Do not block the flow of ventilating air;
• Do not exhaust the dryer into any vent connection, gas vent, chimney or crawl space. This could create a fire hazard from expelled lint.

Preventative maintenance safety tips:

• Clean the lint trap after each load;
• Inspect and clean the vent monthly;
• Keep the area around the dryer clear of combustible items;
• Inspect the gas line for corrosion or "kinks;"
• Inspect the electrical supply cord for fraying, cracking or exposed wires;
• Do not leave damp items in a warm or hot dryer. Start the drying cycle immediately.

For more information on dryer fire risks contact the Office of the Fire Marshal, Department of Environment and Labour, at 1-800- 559-3473.