Despite the fact that warmer weather won't arrive for several more months (at least if you’re like us, and live in one of the more southern states), it is still critical that we are aware of the circumstances that could lead to fires starting unexpectedly.

It only takes a few seconds for a fire to start in your home. Even though you might know about some of the more obvious fire risks, you might be missing some of the not-so-obvious ones.

Sydney firefighters have warned their fellow Aussies about the deadly consequences of overlooking one simple household chore – cleaning the tumble dryer filter.

A homeowner in Sydney's north phoned for assistance and alerted the Berowra Rural Fire Brigade (BRFB) after they smelled smoke coming from their laundry.

The dryer filter had become completely clogged with lint, and the homeowner had no idea it existed or that it needed to be cleaned on a regular basis.

The firefighters were horrified to make this discovery, and they quickly realised that the pile of lint could have been the cause of the house fire that they were responding to.

Failure to empty the dryer filter can result in overheating and fires in homes. Credit: Facebook.​

A mountain of lint is seen stuck together inside the vent in a photo shared on the BRFB Facebook page.

"This photo of a lint filter was taken at a local resident's home after they detected a strong burning smell and called 000," a member of the crew explained.

Experts advise that the filter should be emptied after each load because it can restrict airflow, resulting in overheating and fires.

According to a post from the NSW RFS Long Beach Brigade in 2020, not cleaning out the dryer vent is one of the top ten causes of house fires.

The fire department issued a warning ahead of the bushfire season, along with a terrifying photo of a dryer completely engulfed in flames (pictured above, on the right).

Check out the video below to learn more about cleaning your tumble dryer and its filter.

Credit: BoschHomeAU.​

To protect yourself, your family, and your property from the possibility of fire, there are several things you can do, whether you live in a house, a small apartment block, or a high-rise building.

Here are some general fire safety tips from us here at the SDC:

1. Keep a fire extinguisher in a convenient and easily accessible location.
2. Check and test your smoke alarms on a regular basis.
3. Keep flammable items, such as lighters and matches, out of children's reach.
4. Never leave an unattended candle burning.
5. Never leave a lit burner unattended.
6. Maintain a fire blanket in a convenient area.
7. Plan and practise an escape route from your home with your family.
8. Petrol and propane should be stored in the proper containers and in a secure location.
9. Never use BBQ grills indoors.
10. If a fire breaks out, leave the house immediately and dial 000.

Stay safe and always be cautious, members!

 

[Ricci]

I clean out my dryers filter after every use, it's amazing how quickly it fill up.

 

[Lily]

I always clean the filter after each cycle no matter how long the dryer is on for. Better be safe than sorry.

 

[Jennylolo]

but how do people not know. I don't have an instruction book anymore, but surely this includes instructions , like other appliances do. Mine is on the front of the door and has 2 tabs, its obvious its being held on, so why wouldn't one remove it to see what it was, even if they din't know.