COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) removed a damaged clothes dryer from a house, at 3225 McCullough Lane, after it caught fire early Tuesday afternoon and filled the home with smoke.
Firefighters were called to the Mead Village residence at around 12:45 p.m. The homeowner heard smoke alarms going off and discovered smoke coming from the laundry room. The occupant also saw flames near the bottom of the dryer and unplugged the electric dryer in an attempt to stop the spread.
After calling 9-1-1, the homeowner attempted to extinguish the blaze with baking flour and then resorted to a water hose. When crews arrived, they reported light smoke coming from the home. Inside the house, firefighters located the dryer with small flames still visible. CFD successfully removed the dryer to the exterior of the home and fully extinguish the remaining fire.
Investigators determined that the fire originated in the dryer’s lint trap. The cause is currently listed as accidental. Damages are estimated to be less than $1,000, and no injuries were reported at the scene.