Dehumidifiers Sparked Two Recent Western Springs Fires

Submitted by the Western Springs Fire Department.

Over the past couple weeks, the Western Springs Fire Department has responded to two fire incidents in which home dehumidifiers appear to have contributed to the fire cause.

In the first, a fire in a home in the 4100 block of Forest Avenue caused an estimated $150,000 in damage. In the second, a resident was home when the unit shorted out.

The resident noticed smoke and called the Fire Department before any major damage. Luckily, no one was hurt in either incident. The Fire Department would like to make residents aware that the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) has issued a recall for a large number of dehumidifiers of various makes and models during the last several years.

The Fire Department encourages residents to reference the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov or www.recalls.gov and search for their dehumidifier’s make and model to see if it is on the recall list.

Residents are also encouraged to shut off and unplug any dehumidifier or other electrical appliances when they are away from home. Residents should also strongly consider returning the warranty card to the manufacturer after product purchases. Manufacturers use this information to notify you in the event of a product recall.

Please feel free to contact Fire Chief Patrick J. Kenny at pkenny@wsprings.com with any questions.