By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–An Oceanside residence sustained significant damage Wednesday evening after a clothes dryer caught fire, prompting the occupants to evacuate the home, according to fire officials.
The Oceanside Fire Department received a call regarding a structure fire around 7 p.m. from a resident on the 3900 block of Alipaz Court. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the fire had originated in the home’s dryer. Firefighters entered through an open garage and proceeded to the laundry room, where they quickly extinguished the blaze. They then moved the dryer outside and initiated efforts to ventilate the smoke, shut off electricity, and assess the damage.
The Oceanside Fire Department is currently investigating the exact cause of the fire. In the meantime, they are reminding residents that routine dryer maintenance is crucial for preventing fires. Key safety tips include cleaning the lint filter before and after every cycle, using a dryer with a lint filter, and ensuring that dryers are professionally installed and serviced.
Fire officials also noted that closing doors to contain a fire can help slow its spread, protecting both lives and property before firefighters arrive.
