Dryers and washing machines were involved in one out of every 22 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2006-2010.
Facts and figures
- In 2010, an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries and $236 million in direct property damage.
- Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 4%.
- The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (22%). Eight percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction.
Source: NFPA's "Home Fires Involving Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines" report by John R. Hall, Jr., September 2012.
Also see: Fact sheet on home fires involving dryers and washing machines. (PDF, 59 KB)
Video: NFPA's Lisa Braxton gives a few simple safety tips that can help prevent a clothes dryer fire.
NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated: 7/13