Fire Chars Clothes Dryer But Rohnert Park Crews Halt Spread

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Firefighters rushed to the scene of a fire Thursday inside the garage of Rohnert Park home to find a clothes dryer fully engulfed in flames but were able to stop the blaze from spreading into the home. The fire at a residence in the 6400 block of Sequoia St. — near Rohnert Park Expressway and Civic Center Drive — was reported around 4:15 p.m., according to a statement from the Rohnert Park Department of Safety.

"A resident reported smoke and flames coming from the dryer located in the garage," Rohnert Park DPS said. "One of the residents tried to use a hose to extinguish the fire; however, it had already begun to burn out of control."

As the first engine crew arrived at the scene within 3 minutes, smoke was billowing out of the garage and flames were coming from the dryer.

Firefighters from Rancho Adobe Fire District and Sonoma County Fire District responded and helped Rohnert Park crews with clean-up and with coverage of Rohnert Park fire stations.

"Due to the quick actions of all personnel, the damage was isolated to the dryer itself," Rohnert Park DPS said. "The residents were able to go back inside the house once all of the fire personnel cleared the scene."

A Rohnert Park fire inspector confirmed the fire started in or around the dryer.

Rohnert Park fire officials said residents can prevent such fires by periodically cleaning their dryer vent. Having a smoke detector in the garage is recommended for residents who have a dryer or any other heat-producing appliances in their garage.