May 15, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2012-36) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOUSE FIRE ON ST. GALLEN AVENUE, SOUTH Firefighters responded to the report of second house fire Tuesday morning, May 15, located in the 5000 block of St. Gallon Avenue, South. The call was initially received at approximately 10:21 a.m. reporting smoke and flames coming from the large, single-story, brick veneer structure. Firefighters arrived on the scene and began attacking the fire which originated in the utility room. Firefighters also searched the home and found no occupants inside. Fire investigators determined the fire started in the dryer and spread throughout the structure. There was heat and smoke damage throughout as well. The fire was caused by a full lint trap, heat from the dryer caught the lint on fire. Damage is estimated at approximately $80 thousand. No injuries were reported. Engines 15, 18, 22; truck 5; rescue 18 and District Chief Dexter Pettaway responded. The Bureau of Fire Prevention investigated the cause. The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires is failure to clean them. • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional. • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter. • Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum. • Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time. • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you. • Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks. • Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly. • Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer. • Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed. ###