Over time, your dryer vent fills with lint that sneaks by your dryer's filter. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air and cause excessive heat build-up and has resulted in numerous fires started by many dryers.

In Massachusetts last year, there were nearly 120 clothes dryer fires that injured four people, including a pair of firefighters, and caused more than $640,000 in damages, according to the state Department of Fire Services.

Nationwide, about 14,500 home fires were caused by clothes dryers or washing machines in 2005. Those blazes caused 14 deaths, 440 injuries and about $207 million in property damage.

Fire officials say you should also be aware of something else: if it’s suddenly taking way too long for your dryer to dry your clothes. They say that could be a sign that a buildup of lint — inside the machine — is preventing hot air from getting into the dryer’s drum — another fire hazard. Lint accumulates very quickly and is extremely combustible. It ignites easily and fires spread in a flash. In fact, fire officials believe lint is a leading reason dryer fires become so destructive. They say if lint gets into the machine’s heating element, it can be the very thing that sparks and fuels a fire.

Most people don’t think of the dryer as a dangerous appliance. It is not something you really think about when it comes to fire. But it will spread smoke throughout the house which can prevent people from getting out. It can cause a very serious fire very quickly.

It is recommended that homeowners have their dryer vent serviced at least once a year! Because lint is so incredibly flammable, dryer vent maintenance is the only thing that will prevent lint from building up.

If you currently have vinyl, or flexible foil vents, it is highly recommended that you replace this material, because it is a fire hazard, and is no longer up to code.

Protect your home and save money on your electricity bill as well.