Warning from the Wizard of Delaware: Clean Dryer Vents to Prevent Dryer Fires

Dryer Vent Cleaning Delaware: Dryer vent cleaning is recommended annually by the Wizard of Delaware. There are over 15,000 clothes dryer fires reported each year, resulting in injuries, loss of lives and damage to homes. Most of these fires could have been prevented by cleaning dryer vents.

Many companies advertise dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation services. The internet is flooded with articles warning consumers about the danger of clogged dryer vents and how dryer vent cleaning helps reduce energy usage.

So Many Dryer Vent Cleaners; Yet, So Many Dryer Vent fires

Olney, MD: Clothes dryers are too often taken for granted as people toss in a load then leave to run errands or go to sleep. This is what happened when a fire broke out in a townhouse in Olney, Maryland.

It took 89 firefighters to put out the blaze that caused more than $700,000 in damages while more than 20 people were forced out of their homes. The fire was caused by a clogged clothes dryer vent. The fire spread to the back of the home; propane gas tanks exploded off the deck from the grill.

Another clothes dryer fire happened in Damascus, MD the very next day, causing $200,000 in damage.




Pittston Twp, PA: Duplex with small apartment in the back destroyed by fire caused by clogged dryer vent. Two families of 3 and 1 person occupying the apartment escaped without injury, but lost their homes. The smoke was so thick and the fire so intense neighbors were concerned that the flames would spread to their home.

Brewster, MA: A home was damaged when a fire started in the dryer vent which was clogged with lint. It spread through the wall to the floor above. The fire was quickly extinguished with minor damage to the building. The house did require smoke ventilation and a final inspection by fire officials. Luckily, the family was able to stay in their home.

Pittsburg, PA: A house fire started in the evening when a clogged dryer vent caught fire in the garage. One resident suffered minor smoke inhalation when he ran inside to check on six people who he thought were still inside. It was later determined that all residents made it out of the home. The fire was contained to the garage with major smoke damage to the entire two-story home.

Duluth, MN: A man is being treated for smoke inhalation after his dryer caught fire. The cause of the fire was lint accumulation in the dryer vent system. Though firefighters credit hem for trying to contain the spread of the fire, they warn others to be careful in making this choice. Even a small fire can generate enough smoke containing carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas. It only takes a small amount to incapacitate the average person.

Plymouth, IN: Thankfully, no one was injured when a mobile home was engulfed in flames. The fire started in a clogged dryer vent under the floor of the trailer; damage was extensive and estimated as a total loss.

Ware, MA: An improperly installed dryer vent system caused a fire that left five people homeless. The call came in shortly after 1:00am, but firefighters remained on the scent until around 8:00am. The volume of the fire and concerns for the safety of the crew resulted in the fire department calling a second alarm and receiving aid form neighboring communities. Damages were estimated to be over $150,000.

Mount Crawford, VA: More than 40 firefighters were called to the scene of a two-alarm fire as flames ripped through the two-story home early in the morning. Windows shattered and firefighters had to cut hole in the side of the home to vent the flames. Thankfully, no one was hurt as smoke detectors woke the homeowner who escaped unharmed, but extensive damage was done to the 150 year old home. Firefighters said there are a lot of hidden, concealed spaces in older homes for fire to go, so they had to open walls as flames spread up to the second floor and into the attic.

Most dryer fires are caused by lint accumulation in the dryer ducts, restricting air flow and causing the dryer vent system to overheat. Lint is highly flammable; all it takes is one small spark from your dryer to start a rapidly spreading fire.

Check the internet and you will find many dryer vent cleaning companies in your area. With so many dryer vent cleaners, there is no reason for so many dryer vent fires. Annual dryer vent cleaning is the number one prevention of clothes dryer fires. Have a dryer vent specialist inspect your dryer vent system to be sure it is safe and your dryer is operating efficiently.


Dryer Vent Wizard provides dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, dryer vent installation, dryer vent inspections and all dryer vent services for homes and businesses in Harford County and Cecil County in Maryland, Bel Air, and the entire state of Delaware, Kent County, New Castle County, Sussex County, Newark, Wilmington, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and neighboring cities and communities.

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