Fire crews from Augusta County Fire-Rescue, Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Company, and Stuarts Draft Rescue Quad responded to a dryer fire at a home on Augusta Farms Road Tuesday morning (August 5).
Dispatched at 7:40 a.m., firefighters arrived to find a small fire originating from the back of a dryer inside the residence. They quickly extinguished the flames and removed the dryer along with the damaged contents, preventing the fire from spreading further. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Augusta County Fire-Rescue warned that dryer fires are more common than many realize and can cause significant damage in just minutes. They emphasized the importance of regular maintenance, including cleaning the lint filter before every load and routinely inspecting and cleaning the dryer vent.
Fire Chief Greg Schacht recommended homeowners clean the lint trap between loads, especially during heavy laundry days, and suggested vent inspections at least twice a year, either personally or by hiring professionals. Lint buildup in the dryer vent poses a serious fire risk, Schacht explained.
He also shared signs of potential dryer problems to watch for, such as discoloration inside the dryer drum or vents and burning odors. If a fire does occur inside the dryer, Schacht urged residents to keep the dryer door closed, exit the building immediately, and call 911. Opening the dryer door during a fire can introduce oxygen and cause the flames to spread.
The key message: regularly maintain your dryer, never leave it running unattended, and act quickly if you detect any signs of trouble to prevent dangerous fires.
SOURCE: WHSV3