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Appliance fires: safety and extinguishment

Emergency numbers differ by country. This page uses 911, the number for the United States and Canada. Many other countries use 112, 999, or another number. Find the number for your country.

Appliance fires in clothes dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, or toaster ovens spread quickly due to lint accumulation, electrical short circuits, or trapped grease.

Do this now

  1. If the fire is growing or producing heavy smoke: get everyone out of the house immediately and call your local emergency number (911).
  2. Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker at the main electrical panel if safe to reach.
  3. For clothes dryer fires: keep the dryer door CLOSED to starve the fire of oxygen.
  4. For oven or microwave fires: turn off the appliance and keep the door CLOSED until the fire goes out.
  5. Use a Class ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained.

Clothes dryer lint fires

Clothes dryers cause thousands of home structure fires every year, primarily due to lint buildup in heating elements and exhaust ducts.

  • Keep dryer door shut: Opening the door introduces fresh air, causing a sudden flash fire.
  • Unplug or flip breaker: Cut electrical power or turn off the gas supply line to the dryer.
  • Use Class ABC fire extinguisher: Aim at the base of any flames around the rear or exhaust vent.
  • Prevention: Clean the lint filter after every load and inspect rigid metal ducting annually.

Microwave and oven fires

  • Keep the oven or microwave door shut to smother flames.
  • Turn off the controls or unplug the unit.
  • If flames do not go out quickly, evacuate the house and call 911.

What NEVER to do during an appliance fire

  • Never pour water on an electrical or appliance fire: Water conducts electricity and causes severe shock hazards while spreading burning oil or lint.
  • Never move a burning appliance: Trying to carry a burning toaster or appliance outdoors causes severe burns and spreads flames to carpets and curtains.

... note "Fire extinguisher PASS rule" Remember PASS when using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side to side.