• Ensuring walkways and entryways are clear is key to a speedy fire response and homeowner exit should it be needed
• Cleaning not just dryer lint traps, but vent and exhaust ducts helps prevent dryer fires
• Clearing outdoor debris near your home can help prevent a small fire from spreading

As warmer weather approaches and residents begin annual spring cleaning projects, the Detroit Fire Department is reminding the public that this seasonal tradition is also an ideal time to reduce fire risks at home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), common spring cleaning activities-such as clearing clutter, using flammable liquids, cleaning dryers, and preparing outdoor grills-can introduce fire hazards if not done safely. The NFPA and the Detroit Fire Department recommend proper storage of gasoline and flammable liquids, safe disposal of paint- or stain-soaked rags, cleaning clothes dryers, and removing combustible debris from around homes.

Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms stresses the importance of seasonal awareness and prevention. "Fire prevention and safety education are essential year-round, because each season brings its own unique risks and challenges. Spring cleaning offers a perfect opportunity for residents to take simple steps that can prevent fires, protect their families, and make their homes safer. By being proactive today, we can reduce emergencies tomorrow."

Captain Edward Davis shows Detroit resident Haley Henley the dos and don'ts of preventing dryer fires.

Fire Marshal Don Thomas highlighted how clutter inside homes can directly impact emergency response. "Many people don't think of spring cleaning as a fire safety issue, but clutter and debris inside a home are among the biggest obstacles firefighters face in an emergency. Clearing walkways, stairways, and entry points not only reduce fire hazards but also ensure firefighters can move quickly to reach those in need. Spring is the ideal time to create safer, more accessible living spaces."

Ensuring your exterior dryer vent is not blocked by debris or household items and is clean plays an important role in preventing dryer fires.

Spring Cleaning Fire Safety Tips

The Detroit Fire Department encourages residents to incorporate the following safety steps into their seasonal cleaning routines:

• Declutter with Safety in Mind
  • Keep exits, hallways, stairways, and doorways clear to ensure everyone can escape quickly in an emergency.
  • Avoid storing items near furnaces, water heaters, or electrical panels. Maintain at least three feet of clearance around heat-producing equipment.
  • Remove stacks of paper, cardboard boxes, and other combustibles from basements and utility rooms.
• Deep Clean Clothes Dryers
  • Clean lint traps before and after every load.
  • Check and clean dryer vents and exhaust ducts to prevent lint buildup, which is a leading cause of dryer fires.
  • Ensure the outdoor vent flap opens properly and is free of debris.
• Handle Flammable Liquids with Care
  • Store gasoline, propane, paint thinners, and cleaning solvents in approved containers and away from heat sources, pilot lights, and direct sunlight.
  • Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids indoors or to start fires.
  • Keep these materials out of reach of children and dispose of them at designated hazardous waste facilities.
• Dispose of Oily and Paint-Soaked Rags Safely
  • Rags used with oil-based paints, stains, or solvents can ignite spontaneously.
  • Allow rags to dry completely outdoors before disposal or store them in a sealed metal container filled with water until they can be discarded properly.
• Check Electrical Safety While Cleaning
  • Replace frayed or damaged cords and avoid running cords under rugs or furniture.
  • Do not overload outlets or power strips when reorganizing rooms or setting up new appliances.
  • Use extension cords only as temporary solutions.
• Prepare Outdoor Spaces and Equipment
  • Clean grills and remove grease buildup before the first cookout of the season.
  • Keep grills at least 10 feet from homes, decks, and overhangs.
  • Clear dry leaves, branches, and debris from around the home to reduce fire spread risk.
• Test and Maintain Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
  • Test alarms monthly and replace batteries if needed.
  • Ensure alarms are installed on every level of the home and inside sleeping areas.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
• Safely Store Seasonal Items
  • Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach of children.
  • Store space heaters and fuel safely if putting them away for the season.
  • Ensure holiday or decorative lighting being stored is unplugged, undamaged, and properly packed.

Captain Davis explains to Ms. Henley that her grill is properly positioned far enough away from her home and any other structures or overhangs and therefore should not be a fire hazard.

A Safer Season Starts at Home

The Detroit Fire Department encourages residents to use spring cleaning as a reminder to test smoke alarms, review home escape plans, and remove hazards that could contribute to fires.

For more fire safety information and resources, residents can visit DetroitFire.gov or follow the Detroit Fire Department on social media.