Family pet killed in mobile home dryer fire

Family pet killed in mobile home dryer fire

WMFD uses speciallydesigned breathing mask

in rescue effort

news@theeveningtimes.com West Memphis and Marion Fire departments responded together on Saturday September 8, to put out a fire that started in a clothes dryer. West Memphis Engine Company 3 and unit 14 responded along with Marion Engine One to the mobile home in the unincorporated Lakeshore Estates subdivision. The resident, Wayne Stewart, was not home at the time of the fire but his dog Zoey was.

The dog died from breathing too much smoke even after responders went to great lengths in attempting to save the dog. The West Memphis Fire Department carried specially-designed pet resuscitation masks and the fire afforded the firefighters their first opportunity to put the gear into service.

Dryers combusting from too much lint or dust in, on or around the large appliance is common cause of household fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Jones said while kitchen fires are the most frequent residential fire calls, a fire starting in the dryer was the second most frequent.

“Always clean your dryer filter with each load, no exceptions, and never run your clothes dryer when you are not at home,” advised the responding West Memphis Battalion Commander Charles Stover.

Jones recounted the rescue effort on the dog and the firstever use of the pet resuscitation mask. Fire fighters practiced with the masks when the department first got them but this was the first call to try the new gear.

“They tried to use it a this scene,” said Jones. “Paramedic Jonathan Hollis and EMT Drake Holt even tried CPR on this dog. They tried several things to resuscitate this dog, but it just got too much smoke. We could not save him.”

The all out efforts were appreciated by the resident.

“I would like to thank the West Memphis Fire Department for all their hard work and a big thanks to the paramedic that tried his hardest to save my puppy,” said Stewart. “You did everything you could for Zoey. I owe you big time. Thanks my friend.”

Most of us learn from experience and this fire with the tragic loss of a pet may serve as an occasion to freshen up on safely using the clothes dryer.

“A lot of people get caught up in other things and do not clean out their dryer like they should,” said Jones. “Just because you clean out the lint trap, you still need to pull them out every once in a while and clean the back of the dryer and clean it real good. Most of the time lint gets into the vent hose too and moisture cakes up the lint. It is almost like concrete.” The resulting dry dust piling up in the heat can combust causing a flash fire.

Newer models of dryers have some safeguards built in but proper cleaning and maintenance are still good habits.

“New dryers have features that shut them off when they get too hot,” said Jones. “I experienced this myself at my house when the dryer vent stopped up. There is a piece that gets too hot and melts and shuts it all off.”

In the hope of preventing another dryer fire, Chief Jones listed dryer safety do’s and don’ts:

Clothes dryer do’s and don’ts Installation:

• Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.

• Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.

• Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.

Cleaning:

• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.

• Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.

• Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.

Maintenance

• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.

• Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.

• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.

• Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, nonribbed metal duct.

• Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks.

• Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.

• Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.

• If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.

Clothes dryer don’ts

• Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.

• Don’t overload the dryer.

• Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.

• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.

• Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”

• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).

• Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.

• Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

By John Rech