Fire Log: Two Dryer Incidents In One Day

With two in one day last week, including one that grabbed statewide headlines on Veteran's Day, South Kingstown fire officials are taking the opportunity to remind citizens to clean their lint traps frequently.

"I tell my wife, I tell everyone else this," assistant Fire Marshal Chris Heiner said.  "They don't know what I suggest it for, but this is a clear example of how bad it can get."

Luckily last Thursday's fire was spotted quickly by the residents of 118 Rodman Street; they got out in plenty of time and were able to call 911 in a timely manner.  It was that quick action that saved their house, but even so the residence was heavily damaged and the Rhode Island Red Cross was called in to help the displaced family.

"The fire appeared to have been concentrated in the piping itself that ejects air from the dryer to the outside," Heiner said. He suggested that even if you clean your lint filter every time, you still need to periodically check the piping from the dryer to fresh air, and even around the dryer itself.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is a failure to clean them.  The NFPA reccomends the following guidelines be followed when it comes to dryer safety:

-Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.

-Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.

-Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry.  Remove lint that has collected around the drum.

-Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper airflow and drying time.

-Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

-Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.

-Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.

-Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and don't overload your dryer.

-Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

Other Reported Incidents of Note

In town fire units were called to Phils's Restaurant on Main Street Sunday morning, Nov. 14 for a reported fire in the walls.  Engines 10, 14, Special Hazards 1, Ladder 1, Ladder 2, and Engine 2 responded to the scene where according to Union Fire District Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn an employee had already doused the small fire with a dry chemical extinguisher.  Because of the extinguisher discharge the building was evacuated and the Department of Health notified.  Phil's was taking customers again by Monday morning.

On Sunday night, Nov. 14, the rescue of 17-year-old girl who had fallen underneath the Saugatucket Rive ridge by the Wakefield Elementary school required engines 10, 14, 17, and special hazards 1.  Firefighters and EMTs used a Stokes Basket Stretcher to help EMS retrieve the victim.

Engine 2 from Wakefield was called around 5:00pm Sunday night, Nov. 14 to prepare to douse a small fire caused by an arcing wire brought down by an automobile collision on Kenyon Avenue at Pleasant Street.  The engine's crew stood by for over two hours until the work was done, and then extinguished the molten pavement that had been heated up by the wire.