The Paper reported that on the evening of April 7, 2020, thick black smoke rose from a building near Dong Hung Street in Sa Ke Town, Trung Son City, Guangdong, China. The fire started to spread from the windows. Immediately, the Sa Ke fire brigade dispatched 2 fire trucks and 11 firefighters to the scene for rescue.
“When we arrived, the fire originated from the balcony on the top floor of the building. The fire was quite intense. Fortunately, the homeowner’s family was able to evacuate to safety,” said a representative of the fire brigade. They quickly deployed water cannons to extinguish the fire.
After about 25 minutes, the fire was controlled and completely extinguished. The aftermath was that the drying racks, dryer, and many other items on the balcony turned into “fireballs,” completely burned. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
According to information provided by the homeowner, at the time when the dryer was in operation, the circuit breaker of the house was tripped. When he went up to the 3rd floor, he discovered that the fire was ignited from the power switch of the clothes dryer.
“Before the fire broke out, I had used the clothes dryer outside on the balcony,” said the homeowner.
The cause of the fire was determined to be the clothes dryer. Photo: The Paper
From this incident, representatives of the Sa Ke fire brigade warned that seemingly safe items such as small clothes dryers also pose a high risk of fire and explosion.
Clothes dryers are a common household utility but also carry the risk of fire and explosion. According to statistics, the main causes of fires from this equipment include:
1. Lack of regular cleaning
Fiber lint that is not completely removed through the filter trap can accumulate and ignite. Congestion in the ventilation system also contributes to increased temperature, leading to fire.
2. Malfunctioning control systems
Mechanical and electrical malfunctions such as short-circuits, faulty heating elements, and old wiring increase the risk of fire and explosion, especially for old dryers.
4. Incorrect usage
Unsafe loading of items, violation of manufacturer’s instructions such as rubber or vinyl mats, or overloading clothes obstructing the ventilation process are also causes of high fire and explosion risks.
These items usually have warning labels advising against putting them in the dryer. Incorrect usage also includes overloading the dryer, which hinders proper ventilation and puts more pressure on the rotating motor.
Illustrative image. Photo: Depositphotos
5. Leaving flammable objects in clothes
Another risk is forgetting to remove lighters from pockets before putting clothes in the dryer, which can cause fire and explosion under heat.
To prevent these risks, you can consider the following:
Clean the filter regularly: The filter needs to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages.
Maintain the exhaust duct regularly: Clean the exhaust duct at least once a year to remove accumulated lint.
Check the clothes thoroughly: Before using the dryer, make sure there are no flammable objects such as lighters left in the clothing.
Maintain electronic components: Recognize warning signs of malfunction and perform regular maintenance checks on the dryer.
Place the dryer in a well-ventilated area and avoid placing it near flammable materials such as paper, fabric, or liquids. If you are using a clothes dryer in the bathroom, make sure there are no flammable objects in the room.
Ensure the safety of your family by applying the above measures, minimizing the fire hazards from common devices such as clothes dryers. In case of emergencies, please contact the fire department or the nearest relevant agency for timely assistance.
Source: Đời Sống Pháp Luật
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