How many house fires are caused each year by inadequate dryer venting?
Answer According to the U.S. Fire Administration (Division of U.S. Department of Homeland Security), clothes dryers were involved in an estimated 15,600 U.S. structure fires, fifteen deaths, 400 injuries and $99 million in direct property damage, annually, between 2002-2004. The leading cause of clothes dryer fires was lack of maintenance (70 percent). Lack of maintenance would include restricted vent pipe and lint build-up. The correct installation and use of the recessed dryer vent box should greatly lessen the risk of lint build-up and exhaust pipe restriction. Mainly because it prevents the dryer from being pushed so far back that it crushes and cuts off the exhaust hose. Visit our “Fire Hazard” information page by clicking here. Or read articles about “Awareness and Clothes Dryer Safety” links by clicking here. The importance of proper dryer venting can scarcely be overstated. Click Here for the latest fire articles tracked on the Internet.
