Wantagh Fire Department Warns Of Clothes Dryer Fires

WANTAGH, NY — Wantagh firefighters are using a recent laundromat fire to remind residents to practice clothes dryer safety, said Wantagh Fire Department public information officer Kevin Regan.

Firefighters first on the scene at Liberty Laundry on Wantagh Avenue on Feb. 6 found the building “filled with smoke,” but they were able to quickly locate and isolate a fire in a gas-fed clothes dryer, Regan said. It took firefighters a little over an hour to extinguish the fire and secure the building, he said.

No injuries were reported.

National Grid was called in later to check the gas line of the affected dryer, and investigators from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office and police arson and bomb squad also responded to determine the cause of the fire, Regan said. The cause of the fire is “not considered suspicious,” he said.

“Although this fire occurred in a commercial laundry and the cause is unclear at this time, we thought this was a good time to educate our residents about clothes dryer fires,” Regan said.
Regan said that the U.S. Fire Administration has found that 2,900 residential clothes dryer fires happen each year, resulting in an average of five deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million dollars in property damage. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause 34% of residential clothes dryer fires and most happen in the winter months, he said.

The fire department recommends residents follow these safety measures to help prevent home clothes dryer fires:

• Clothes dryers — both gas and electric — should be installed by a professional. If it’s an electric dryer, be sure to use the proper wiring and outlet.
• Read and follow all manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Clean the lint filter before and after each use. Clean the back of the dryer where lint builds up and use a nylon brush at least every six months to clean the lint screen and remove all buildup. A long nylon brush or vacuum should be used to reach down into the lint trap to remove loose or hard-to-reach lint and dust.
• Clean out the vent pipe every three months.
• Use a rigid, smooth surface, meaning a non-ribbed, metal vent pipe, instead of coiled metal one. Never use plastic, which can heat up and melt.
• Make sure vent flaps on the outside of your home open freely when the dryer is in use and not clogged with lint, dust, animal nests, or other debris, like leaves and brush.
• Have dryers inspected or serviced if it takes longer than normal to dry clothing.
• Keep the area around the dryer and vent pipe clear of items that can burn.
• Don’t use a dryer without a lint screen or properly installed vent line.
• Don’t overload the dryer.
• Don’t dry items containing rubber or plastic, such as bathmats. Line dry those items instead.
• Don’t dry items that have come in contact with flammable liquids.
• Don’t leave clothes dryers running when you’re not home or when you go to bed.
• A smoke or fire detector should be installed near the laundry room. Make sure the batteries are working.