Dryer Vent Fire Safety: USFA Numbers and NFPA Rules (Including Snow)
Updated
Short answer
The U.S. Fire Administration counts about 2,900 residential clothes dryer fires a year, causing about 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in losses, with failure to clean the leading cause (34 percent) and fires peaking in January. NFPA says to clean the lint filter every load, clean the vent pipe yearly, use metal venting, and check the outside flap is not covered by snow.
USFA
- About 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings each year, with an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss.
- Failure to clean was the leading factor contributing to ignition, at 34 percent.
- Dust, fiber and lint (28 percent) and clothing not on a person (27 percent) were the leading items first ignited.
- Incidence was higher in fall and winter, peaking in January at 11 percent.
- Long drying times for heavy items, or clothes hotter than usual, point to a clogged vent.
Source: USFA, Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings.
NFPA
- Have the dryer installed and serviced by a professional; never run it without a lint filter.
- Clean the lint filter before or after each load and remove lint around the drum.
- Use rigid or flexible metal venting.
- Once a year, or sooner if drying takes longer, clean lint out of the vent pipe.
- Have gas dryers inspected for gas line and connection leaks.
- Check the outdoor vent flap is not covered by snow.
- Turn the dryer off if you leave home or go to bed.
Source: NFPA Clothes Dryer Safety. See dryer vent cleaning.
Quick answers
What is the leading cause of dryer fires?
Failure to clean, at 34 percent of residential dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
When do most dryer fires happen?
USFA found they are more common in fall and winter, peaking in January.
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