Georgetown Fire Department Extinguishes Dryer Fire in Home on West Main Street

GEORGETOWN — Fire Chief Matthew McKay reports that the Georgetown Fire Department responded Friday evening to a working fire in a home on West Main Street.

On Friday, Nov. 22, at approximately 5:33 p.m., the Georgetown Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a fire in a home at 176 W. Main St.

The first arriving fire engine found a smoke condition inside the home and a dryer vent fire that extended into the walls and a nearby cabinet.

Companies were able to bring the fire under control by about 5:47 p.m. Companies remained on scene until about 6:45 p.m.

Firefighters from Groveland and Rowley provided mutual aid at the scene, and firefighters from Newbury covered Georgetown stations. 

The fire was contained to the room of origin, but caused an estimated $50,000 in damage. Residents were able to return to their home once the fire was out. 

In light of this fire, the Georgetown Fire Department would like to offer some basic safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to help prevent dryer fires:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.