Firefighter injured in Batavia house fire
A house fire Thursday morning in Batavia caused extensive damage but no occupants were injured, according to fire department officials.
The fire at 535 W. Houston St. started in a dryer in a laundry room. It spread to the kitchen and a bedroom, Batavia Battalion Chief Randy Banker said.
The fire was reported at 8:09 a.m. and was extinguished by 8:30 a.m.
A firefighter injured his back, Banker said, and was taken to a hospital. The firefighter's condition was not immediately known.
Damage to the building is estimated at $40,000, and to its contents at $20,000. Besides fire damage, there was extensive smoke damage on the second floor, Banker said.
The house was deemed uninhabitable.
Avoid a dryer fire
Ÿ Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
Ÿ Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
Ÿ Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
Ÿ Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
Ÿ Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
Ÿ Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
Ÿ Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
Ÿ Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions and don't overload your dryer.
Ÿ Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
Source: National Fire Protection Association