Every year RCFD Firefighters respond to several fires that start in or around clothes dryers.  With clothes dryers, the exhaust ducts are getting clogged with lint and laundry debris. This prevents the flow of air as designed and affects the heating process of the dryer. In time, the lint accumulated in the bottom and rear of the dryer or the lint and debris in the exhaust duct ignites and easily spreads fire beyond the dryer.  Always clean the dryer’s lint trap before and after each use to reduce the risk of fire.  Clean the area around, under and behind the dryer to prevent dust build-up and lint accumulation there as well.

When it starts taking a long time for clothes to dry or gas fired dryers seem to have an unusually loud sound when the firing up, it is time to check the venting. When checking the venting, it is recommended that the dryer is checked for internal lint accumulation.