Clothes dryer fires in homes Published Sept. 22, 2008 By Fire Department 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- For many households and other establishments, the clothes dryer is an indispensable convenience and necessity. However, if dryers are not properly installed or maintained, critical fires can occur. In the United States, the national loss for clothes dryer fires is estimated at $99 million from about 15,600 fires that cause an annual average of approximately 400 injuries and 15 fatalities. How and why dryer fires occur A clothes dryer works by forcing hot air through a turning drum. While much of the lint is trapped by the dryer's filter, lint is also carried through the venting system, together with moist air. The accumulation of lint, both in the dryer and in the dryer vent, reduces the airflow and creates a highly flammable fuel source. A compromised vent will not exhaust properly to the outside and overheating may result. If enough heat is produced to ignite the lint itself or nearby combustible items, such as the clothes in the dryer or combustibles left nearby, the safety mechanisms are weakened and fire ensues. How to prevent dryer fires An easy way to identify whether or not your clothes dryer might be a risk for starting a fire is if the dryer takes longer than one cycle to completely dry your clothes. Another sign may include the discharge of lint from the external vent located on the exterior of your residence. To avoid potential dryer fires follow these tips regularly. - Clean lint traps - Remove items from pockets, i.e. pens, coins, jewelry - Check vent tube; clean if necessary (with vacuum cleaner) - Install vent tubes correctly - Ensure no sharp bends in venting tube exist Join the Fire Department parade and open house at the Spangdahlem Elementary School parking lot Oct. 11th. The parade starts at 11 a.m., followed by free lunch and activities. For more information, contact the Fire Prevention office at 452-5292.