Beware: Dangerous dryer fires

(WXYZ) - A recent report from the U.S. Fire Administration estimates there are 2,900 clothes dryer fires every year, causing 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in properly loss.

Heavy clothes, sweaters and blankets used during winter months shed much more lint and create a fire hazards during winter months.

But cleaning the "lint trap" alone is not enough to prevent fires.

Fire investigators say cleaning the lint trap is just a first step the real buildup of lint happens out of sight and is overlooked by most consumers.

We teamed up with vent cleaning experts and a fire prevention association, to reveal how lint buildup over years can quietly accumulate and trigger fires.

Rick Strah operates Advanced Air Duct Solution, Inc., a company specializing in dryer vent cleaning.

"Just building up in here," saidStrahafter taking the back cover off of one dryer.

"All your electrical wiring is all coated in this stuff."

It also builds up inside the vent tubing leading to the outside.

Strah used a high powered vacuum that suctioned huge piles of lint buildup, which over time actually clogs vents from functioning properly.

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Beware: Dangerous dryer fires