Increased fires caused by dirty extractor fans at home

At least six home fires have been sparked since 2018 in Yuma County, all from residents not cleaning the lint that accumulates inside extractor fans at home.

Chief of Somerton Fire Department, Paul De Anda, said that these incidents can be easily prevented, but unfortunately, it’s something residents don’t even think about until it’s too late.

“People don’t see all the small lint and dust, but every time you turn on the switch in the bathroom that fan is constantly drawing them out,” said Chief De Anda.

The lint is then what accumulates around the motor that operates the fan causing even more damage.

“If you don’t take it off every now and then and clean it off eventually that lint can light up, it will light up the aluminize tubing that’s in there and that’s what sparks the fire,” said Chief De Anda.

Residents are encouraged to clean the extractor fans at least once a year. Firefighters also said that they see this more during the winter time.

“The square plate on the ceiling and it’s as simple as pulling it down and it has two springs there that you take off and you just have to clean the head off,” said Chief De Anda.

Residents that are moving into a new home should be more conscious and those living in any home should keep yearly reminders.

The Yuma Fire Department said they had two fires on the same day just a few weeks ago in relation to the extractor fans not being cleaned. If you have any questions regarding how to clean your vents you are encouraged to call your local fire departments.