A dryer can go from warm and humming to smoky and scary in under a minute. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates around 2,900 clothes dryer fires occur in homes each year, causing injuries and millions in damage. Most start with ordinary lint or heat-compromised fabrics—nothing exotic—yet the wrong reaction turns a small, containable incident into a full-blown house fire. If you’ve ever caught a whiff of scorched cotton and wondered whether to yank open the door or sprint for the extinguisher, you’re not alone. Here’s the clear, practical guidance you need: exactly what type of extinguisher to use, how to deploy it without feeding the flames, and what to do in the minutes after to prevent re-ignition. You’ll also learn how professionals size and place extinguishers near laundry rooms, plus smart habits that keep dryers from becoming your home’s most underestimated fire risk.
Quick Answer
Use a multipurpose ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher—ideally a 5 lb unit rated 2A:10B:C—for a dryer fire. Cut power to the appliance first (unplug or flip the breaker), keep the door closed to starve oxygen, and discharge through any openings. If power is safely off and you have it, a water-mist extinguisher also works well on lint and fabric fires.
Why This Matters
A dryer fire rarely stays put. Flames can shoot into the lint trap, crawl through vents, and ignite dust, wood framing, or stored items nearby. That’s how a small flash inside the drum becomes a room fire. The costs aren’t abstract—think smoke damage throughout the house, scorched laundry area cabinets, and days of cleanup. Dryers run hot (typically 120–160°F exhaust temperatures), and once lint ignites, it burns fast and dirty.
Consider two common scenarios: lint ignites in the trap while the unit runs; or rags with residual finishing oils heat up and self-ignite after a cycle. In both cases, opening the door feeds a rush of oxygen and can push flames into the room. Using the wrong extinguisher (or water while the appliance is energized) risks electrical shock and re-ignition. With a correctly sized ABC extinguisher at arm’s reach and a simple routine—kill power, keep the door closed, aim low—you stop the fire before it finds fuel in the walls or vent ducting. That’s the difference between a scary moment and a life-altering emergency.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Kill power and contain the fire
Act fast and decisively. If you can safely reach it, unplug the dryer or flip the dedicated breaker. Do not open the dryer door; keeping it closed limits oxygen to the fire and slows spread. You might find lint alarm for dryers helpful.
- Shut the laundry room door to contain smoke and heat.
- If flames are visible outside the dryer, clear combustibles (detergents, baskets, cardboard) away quickly.
- Warn others and call 911 if the fire is growing or smoke is heavy.
Step 2: Grab the right extinguisher
Use a multipurpose ABC dry chemical extinguisher, ideally a 5 lb unit rated 2A:10B:C. It’s effective on ordinary combustibles (lint, fabric), and safe for electrical sources at a distance.
- Water-mist extinguishers also work on lint/fabric and are safe on energized equipment, but most homes don’t have them.
- CO2 can knock down flames but doesn’t cool; smoldering lint may re-ignite.
- Avoid Class K (for deep-fat cooking oil) and do not use foam on energized appliances.
Step 3: Position and apply using PASS
Stand with a clear exit behind you. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the flames, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side. Focus on the lint trap area and any openings or vents in the dryer front.
- Do not yank open the door; discharge through gaps or slots to avoid feeding oxygen.
- Stay low—smoke and heat layer high first.
- If flames persist or intensify, evacuate immediately and let the fire department handle it.
Step 4: Verify extinguishment and cool down
Once flames are out, keep the door closed for a few minutes to prevent reignition. Watch for wisps of smoke and listen for crackling—signs of hot spots. You might find dryer vent hose helpful.
- After the unit is cool and power is off, crack the door carefully. If heat or smoke is present, close it again.
- Have water ready (power off only) to cool residual embers in lint or fabric if needed.
- Ventilate the room to clear smoke, but don’t run the dryer fan.
Step 5: Inspect the vent and surrounding area
Fires often travel into vent ducts. Check the vent run from the dryer to the exterior for soot, melted plastic, or smoldering lint.
- If the duct is flexible plastic or foil, replace it with smooth-walled metal; heat-damaged flexible duct can hide embers.
- Look behind and under the unit for scorched dust or debris.
- If you see any damage to wiring or insulation, do not restart the dryer.
Step 6: Call a professional and adjust your routine
After any dryer fire, have a qualified appliance technician inspect the unit and a chimney/vent pro clean or replace ducting as needed. Then tweak your habits to prevent a repeat. You might find dryer safety kit helpful.
- Clean the lint filter every load, and the vent run at least annually (more often for long runs).
- Dry oily rags separately at low heat, and allow full cool-down before storage.
- Keep a 2A:10B:C extinguisher mounted near the laundry room exit—visible and reachable.
Expert Insights
Professionals see the same missteps repeatedly: opening the dryer door to “check” feeds oxygen and can flash the room; tossing a bucket of water at an energized appliance invites shock; and assuming CO2 is the best option for anything electrical overlooks the need to cool deep-seated lint. A 5 lb ABC dry chemical extinguisher (2A:10B:C) is the practical choice for most homes: it stops Class A combustibles and is rated for electrical involvement. Place it near the laundry room exit, never behind the machine where you might be trapped.
Expect a mess—dry chemical powder is part of the tradeoff for fast knockdown. Sweep it gently after the area cools, and prioritize safety over cleanup. Another truth: oily rags are sneaky. Linseed oil, stain, or cooking oil residues can self-heat and ignite hours after drying. Treat them as high-risk: wash thoroughly, dry on low, and store flat to cool. Venting matters too—smooth metal ducting reduces lint buildup and resists heat better than plastic or foil.
Finally, readiness is maintenance. Check the extinguisher gauge monthly (needle in the green), flip it upside down and tap to loosen powder annually, and replace or service it at manufacturer intervals. A reachable, charged extinguisher and a practiced plan beat improvisation every time.
Quick Checklist
- Mount a 5 lb ABC extinguisher (2A:10B:C) near your laundry room exit.
- Practice the PASS technique with an unloaded training unit or walkthrough.
- Clean the lint filter every load; deep-clean the vent run annually.
- Replace plastic/foil vent ducts with smooth-walled metal.
- Unplug or flip the breaker before using water to cool embers.
- Keep combustibles (cardboard, detergents, baskets) away from the dryer.
- Launder oily rags separately on low heat and allow full cool-down.
- Check extinguisher gauge monthly; service per manufacturer guidance.
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools for what type of fire extinguisher should you use for a dryer fire
Frequently Asked Questions
What extinguisher is best for a dryer fire?
A multipurpose ABC dry chemical extinguisher, ideally a 5 lb unit rated 2A:10B:C, is the most practical choice. It handles lint and fabric (Class A) and is safe around electrical components when used properly.
Can I use water on a dryer fire?
Yes—but only after you cut power (unplug or flip the breaker). Water is effective for Class A combustibles like lint and cotton, but using it on an energized appliance risks electrical shock. A water-mist extinguisher is safe even if energized.
Is CO2 a good option for dryer fires?
CO2 can knock down flames and is safe around electricity, but it doesn’t cool well and lint may re-ignite. If CO2 is all you have, use it to buy time and monitor closely; an ABC extinguisher is more reliable for deep-seated lint fires.
Should I open the dryer door while extinguishing?
No. Keep the door closed to limit oxygen. Discharge the extinguisher through openings or vents in the front panel. Once the fire is out and the unit has cooled, crack the door carefully to check for hot spots.
Where should I keep the fire extinguisher in the laundry room?
Mount it near the exit, at visible height, with a clear path. Avoid placing it behind or above the dryer, where heat and smoke could trap you. The goal is reachability and an escape route behind you.
What if the fire is in the vent duct rather than the drum?
Kill power and use the ABC extinguisher at the duct connection, aiming into the base of the flames. If the duct is flexible plastic or foil, evacuate and call the fire department—these ducts can burn through quickly and spread fire in walls.
What rating and size extinguisher should a homeowner buy?
Look for a 2A:10B:C rating; a 5 lb stored-pressure unit offers enough agent and reach without being unwieldy. Smaller 2.5 lb units are better than nothing but discharge quickly, leaving less margin if the fire grows.
Conclusion
Dryer fires start small, but they reward quick, smart action. Keep a 5 lb ABC extinguisher near the laundry room exit, cut power at the first sign of trouble, and attack at the base of the flames without opening the door. After knockdown, verify that vents and the surrounding area are cool and clear, then book a professional inspection. Long term, make lint control and safe venting routine. A few prepared steps turn a scary moment into a contained incident—and protect your home and family.
Related: For comprehensive information about Ventisafe, visit our main guide.