A dryer malfunction at 325 Penn Road in Ardmore brought firefighters from two Merion Fire Company stations to the scene Sunday, but crews found no active fire after investigating.
Station 25 responded at 4:42 p.m. to assist Station 26 at the Penn Road address, according to an incident report published on the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore's website. After investigating, firefighters determined the dryer was malfunctioning but not burning. They secured the appliance, confirmed no extension or additional hazard and placed the incident under control.
The company's report, authored by Graham Fuller and published Monday noted that quick investigation of reported appliance fires helps prevent small problems from becoming larger emergencies.
The Merion Fire Company advised residents who notice unusual odors, smoke or a dryer not operating properly to stop using the appliance and have it inspected before running it again.
Dryer fires by the numbers
Dryer malfunctions like the one on Penn Road can escalate. According to the most recent National Fire Protection Association data, covering 2014–2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 13,820 home structure fires per year involving dryers. Those fires caused an average of seven deaths, 344 injuries, and $233 million in property damage annually.
The leading cause was failure to clean lint, accounting for 32% of dryer fires. Mechanical failures or malfunctions caused 27%, and electrical failures caused 16%.
What residents should watch for
The NFPA recommends these steps to reduce dryer fire risk:
- Clean the lint filter before or after every load
- Watch for clothes still damp at the end of a normal cycle, which may signal a blocked lint screen or exhaust duct
- Clean lint from the vent pipe at least once a year
- Never leave a dryer running when no one is home
- Have dryers installed and serviced by a professional
The Merion Fire Company of Ardmore is a volunteer company operating Stations 25 and 26 in Lower Merion Township. Residents who need to report a fire or appliance emergency should call 911.
