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Dryer Vent Cleaning and Maintenance could have Prevented Dryer Fire in Oak Forest, Just outside Chicago

By Mory Matias

Services for Real Estate Pros with Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago

February 01, 2009 04:23 AM

Thankfully, no one was injured and damages were minimal due to the homeowner recently installing additional smoke detectors

Chicago, IL -- A recent dryer fire, reported in Oak Forest, Ill, located about 24 miles southwest of Downtown Chicago, could have easily been prevented with proper dryer vent maintenance. As the woman looked at the charred remains of her home, she was thankful for one thing; she had taken the precaution to have additional smoke detectors installed in her home. She did this a few months before, when a neighbor was killed in a tragic house fire.

The woman was home alone, doing laundry, when she heard the smoke alarm in the basement. She went to check it out, didn't see flames, but the room was full of smoke. She quickly called 911 as she got her dogs out of the home.

Within minutes, Oak Forest firefighters battled thick smoke and put out the fire. The smoke was so thick they had to break out a window to let it out so they could see. This occurred within minutes.

The fire destroyed the dryer, damaged the washer, and did additional damage to the laundry room; all will be taken care of by her homeowner's insurance.

The fire fighters told the woman that she was smart to install the additional smoke detectors; without them, she would not have been aware of the fire soon enough to avoid further damage and the possibility of losing her home. Credit is also owed to the quick response of the fire fighters.

When Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, heard the news, he was naturally upset. In a recent interview, Mory said, "Though I'm glad no one was hurt and damages were minimal, this tragedy could have been prevented altogether with proper dryer vent cleaning and maintenance. Yes, smoke detectors are very important, but so is proper appliance maintenance, and fire safety and prevention awareness in all areas of the home."

According to Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago, most consumers are unaware that annual dryer and dryer vent maintenance is required to keep the dryer running properly and to prevent dryer fires. Additionally, proper maintenance saves on energy and other associated costs. Learn more at http://dryerventcleaningchicago.blogspot.com/

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Dryer Vent Wizard of Northshore Chicago