HI SCR95

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines annually between 2010-2014, causing 13 civilian deaths, 444 injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage per year.

Ninety-two percent of dryer and washing machine fires involved clothes dryers, with fires caused by dryer malfunctions or lint buildup occurring consistently despite technological improvements.

Hawaii has experienced several dryer fires including incidents in Kailua-Kona (2017), Kunia (2019), and Aiea (2021) that resulted in evacuations, injuries, and displacement.

Request that the State Fire Council establish an educational awareness campaign on preventing clothes dryer fires in homes.

Request that the State Fire Council work with home insurance companies, property management companies, homeowners associations, planned community associations, and condominium associations to implement preventative measures in residential communities.