COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus firefighters removed a damaged clothes dryer from a home in the 3200 block of McCullough Lane after it caught fire Tuesday afternoon and filled the house with smoke.
At approximately 12:44 p.m., firefighters were called to 3225 McCullough Lane after the homeowner discovered smoke coming from the home’s laundry room. The homeowner told firefighters that smoke alarms inside the home activated as the smoke accumulated. There were flames near the bottom of the dryer, and the homeowner unplugged the electric dryer in an attempt to stop the fire.
After calling 911, the homeowner attempted to extinguish the fire with baking flour and then used a water hose, followed by attempting to drag it out of the home, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
When firefighters arrived, they reported light smoke coming from the home. Inside the home, firefighters found the dryer at the opening of the laundry room with small flames still visible. Firefighters successful removed the dryer to the exterior of the home and fully extinguished the remaining fire with a garden hose.
Damaged to the home included minor water damage within the laundry area as well as a haze of smoke throughout the home. Firefighter used an electrical fan to ventilate the smoke from the home. Firefighter also inspected the laundry room and determined that the flames were contained to the clothes dryer.
Fire investigators determined that the fire originated in the dryer’s lint trap. Investigators spoke to the homeowners who advised investigators that the lint trap is cleaned out regularly. The cause of the fire is listed as accidental. Damages are estimated to be less than $1,000. No injuries were reported at the scene.
The Columbus Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to share more information on the impact that dyer fires create each year. According to the United Stated Fire Administration (USFA),nearly 2,900 clothes dryer fires are reported annually and account for $35 million in property loss. Additionally, the USFA reports that an estimated five deaths and 100 injuries occur each year as a result of dryer fires. Failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.( Source: USFA). The CFD recommends cleaning a dryer lint trap before each use as well as having all lint vent pipes cleaned each year.
