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Fort Wayne and Allen County

Dryer vent fire safety: the facts worth paying attention to

The fire risk is real, but the useful response is straightforward maintenance, not panic. Here are the facts from the U.S. Fire Administration.

Heavy lint buildup packed inside a dryer exhaust duct

Failure to clean is a documented fire factor

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that failure to clean was the leading factor contributing to ignition in 31% of home clothes dryer fires from 2018 through 2020. USFA also identifies lint and other combustible buildup as an important part of dryer fire prevention.

Simple steps USFA recommends

  • Clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer.
  • Clean dryer vent ductwork every year.
  • Plug major appliances directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord.

What maintenance cannot guarantee

Cleaning a dryer vent does not make a home fireproof and cannot eliminate unrelated electrical or appliance failures. Its purpose is to remove one preventable source of airflow restriction and combustible lint accumulation.

Common questions

What people usually want to know

How often does USFA recommend cleaning dryer ductwork?

USFA advises cleaning dryer vent ductwork every year.

What percentage of dryer fires involved failure to clean?

USFA reports failure to clean as the leading factor in 31% of home clothes-dryer fires from 2018 through 2020.

Does a clean vent eliminate dryer-fire risk?

No. Cleaning addresses vent buildup, but appliance condition, electrical issues, installation and other factors also matter.