A warm, sweet burn smell drifting from the laundry room can go from annoying to dangerous fast. Clothes dryers are involved in roughly 2,900 home fires each year in the U.S., causing injuries and tens of millions of dollars in damage. Most start with lint—light, fluffy fuel—ignited by heat or an electrical fault, then spread into the vent where flames can travel inside walls. Knowing the right extinguisher and the first moves to make isn’t trivia; it’s what decides whether you stop a small burn at the lint trap or end up outside watching engines roll up. You’ll get clear, practical guidance on which extinguisher to use for a dryer fire, how to attack it safely, and what to do afterward so it doesn’t reignite. This is grounded in what actually happens in a laundry room: smoke, heat, a panicked moment, and a need for fast, confident action.
Quick Answer
Use a multipurpose ABC dry chemical extinguisher for a dryer fire. If you have safely cut power at the breaker or unplugged the unit, a Class A water or water-mist extinguisher is excellent for cooling lint and fabric to prevent re-ignition. Never spray water on an energized appliance.
Why This Matters
Dryer fires grow quickly because lint is a flash fuel and the vent can carry heat and flames into hidden spaces. That’s how a small scorch inside the drum turns into burning vent hose and charred framing before anyone smells it. If you pick the wrong extinguisher—or hesitate—you lose precious seconds.
Picture this: you open the laundry door, see light smoke from the lint area, and hear the motor humming. Spraying a water bottle at it while the appliance is live risks a shock. A CO2 blast might knock down the glow, but without cooling, the hot metal reignites the lint minutes later. An ABC extinguisher buys you time, and cutting power lets water or mist cool everything down so it stays out.
Why it matters: smoke damage and corrosive residues can ruin electronics throughout the house, cleanup can run into thousands, and a vent fire can force demolition to inspect hidden runs. The right extinguisher and steps turn a scary moment into a contained incident instead of a major claim.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Kill the power and contain the fire
Flip the dryer’s breaker OFF or unplug the unit if you can reach the plug safely without passing flames. Close the dryer door to limit oxygen if flames are inside the drum. Keep your back to an exit and send others outside. You might find lint alarm for dryers helpful.
- If smoke is heavy or flames are spreading beyond the appliance, evacuate and call 911 immediately.
- Do not throw water on a running appliance.
Step 2: Choose the right extinguisher
Grab a multipurpose ABC dry chemical extinguisher (ideally 5 lb, rated at least 2A:10B:C). It’s safe on energized equipment (Class C) and effective on lint and fabric (Class A). If you’ve confirmed power is off, a Class A water or water-mist extinguisher is outstanding for cooling.
- Avoid CO2 unless the fire is very small and contained; it lacks cooling and re-ignition is common.
- Foam is fine for Class A once power is off, but it’s less common in homes.
Step 3: Attack with the PASS technique
Stand 6–8 feet away. Pull the pin, aim at the base of the flames or glowing lint, squeeze the handle, and sweep side to side. Short, controlled bursts are better than a continuous stream—watch the fire’s reaction.
- Apply through the partially opened door if needed, then close the door to starve oxygen while you reassess.
- Target the lint trap area, rear panel gaps, and any visible vent connection points.
Step 4: Cool hot spots and prevent re-ignition
Once flames are out and power is confirmed off, cool the area. A water or water-mist extinguisher does this well, soaking lint and fabric so latent heat can’t reignite. Don’t flood the machine; use measured bursts focused on hotspots. You might find dryer vent hose helpful.
- Touch surfaces cautiously—if they’re too hot to hold for more than a second, keep cooling.
Step 5: Check the vent and behind the dryer
Pull the dryer away from the wall if safe. Inspect the flexible duct and the wall connection for scorch or melting. Extinguish any smoldering in the duct with ABC agent, then cool with water if power remains off.
- If the duct is damaged, remove it and check for fire spread into the wall cavity. If you suspect extension, stop and call the fire department.
Step 6: Aftercare and safety reset
Ventilate the room and watch for at least 30 minutes for smoke or warmth. Arrange a service call to inspect wiring, motor, and heater elements. Replace damaged venting with smooth, rigid metal duct. Bag and dispose of lint and debris—don’t leave powder-covered lint inside the appliance. You might find dryer safety kit helpful.
- Document the incident for insurance and maintenance records.
Expert Insights
Most dryer fires start with lint igniting near the heater element or in the vent, then move to fabric. That’s why Class A capability matters. People often assume CO2 is ideal because it’s clean, but it doesn’t cool, so deep-seated lint burns can reignite. ABC dry chemical is the practical choice in homes—fast knockdown, non-conductive, and widely available.
Power is the pivot point. If the appliance is live, prioritize Class C-rated agents (ABC). Once power is off and flames are out, cooling is the difference between “out” and “out for good.” Water-mist extinguishers are excellent here; they minimize splash and conduct far less than a solid stream while pulling heat out of metal and lint.
Pro tip: size matters. A 5 lb ABC (2A:10B:C) gives you a meaningful reserve compared to a 2.5 lb unit. Keep it mounted within 30–50 feet of the laundry, and practice the PASS steps so you’re not figuring it out under stress.
Another misconception is to fling the dryer door open to look. That rush of air can flare the fire. Crack it just enough to apply agent, then close to limit oxygen. And if powder residue is everywhere—good. White dust means the fire stopped. Clean up later; safety first.
Quick Checklist
- Keep a 5 lb ABC extinguisher (2A:10B:C) near the laundry room
- Know the dryer’s breaker location and how to shut it off fast
- Clean the lint screen before every load and after drying towels
- Use smooth, rigid metal ducting—avoid long, corrugated flex hoses
- Don’t run the dryer when you’re asleep or out of the house
- Vacuum inside the lint trap cavity and behind the dryer quarterly
- Install a smoke alarm in or near the laundry room
- Schedule service if you smell burning or the dryer runs unusually hot
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools for what type of fire extinguisher should you use for a dryer fire
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an ABC extinguisher really the best choice for a dryer fire?
Yes. ABC dry chemical covers Class A (lint, clothing) and Class C (energized appliance) in one tool, which is exactly what you face in a laundry fire. It knocks down flames quickly and is non-conductive, making it safe if the dryer is still powered.
Can I use water to put out a dryer fire?
Only after you’ve cut power at the breaker or unplugged the unit. Water or water-mist excels at cooling lint and metal so the fire doesn’t reignite, but spraying water on a live appliance risks shock. If you’re not certain power is off, stick with ABC.
What if the fire is inside the vent duct or wall?
Extinguish visible flames at the appliance connection with ABC, then cool once power is off. If the duct is scorched or you suspect extension into the wall or ceiling, evacuate and call the fire department—hidden fire can smolder and break out later.
How close should I stand when using the extinguisher?
Start 6–8 feet away and move closer as the flames diminish, keeping your back to an exit. Use short bursts and watch for push-back; if the fire flares when you open the door, close it and reassess rather than rushing forward.
Are CO2 extinguishers safe for dryer fires?
CO2 is safe on energized equipment, but it’s not ideal for lint and fabric because it doesn’t cool. You may get a quick knockdown, then watch it reignite from heat retained in the element or drum. ABC is the more reliable home option.
Should I open the dryer door during a fire?
Open it only enough to apply agent at the base of the flames, then close to limit oxygen. Throwing the door fully open can feed the fire. After knockdown and power-off, you can open to check for hot spots and cool them with water or mist.
Do fire extinguishers expire or need maintenance?
They do. Check the gauge monthly; the needle should be in the green. Most dry chemical units need professional inspection annually and hydrostatic testing around every 12 years. If you use it—even briefly—have it recharged or replaced.
Conclusion
Dryer fires move fast, but the right actions stop them early. A multipurpose ABC extinguisher covers both the lint and the energized appliance, and cutting power opens the door to cooling with water or mist so it stays out. Keep a properly sized extinguisher near your laundry, know your breaker, and practice the PASS steps before you need them. After any incident, check the vent, cool lingering hot spots, and get the machine serviced. Preparation turns a chaotic moment into a controlled response.
Related: For comprehensive information about Ventisafe, visit our main guide.