Fire Department

One person is displaced from her home following a fire that ignited in the door of her dishwasher.

Engine Company 5 responded after the occupant came home to find smoke inside the house. Upon looking around, she discovered the dishwasher door opened and evidence of a recent fire that spread to the adjacent floor and nearby rug. The fire, which was no longer active, significantly damaged elements of the dishwasher and burned some kitchen floor boards.

The fire did not extend beyond the dishwasher, and a thermal imaging camera showed the appliance at room temperature by the time firefighters were called to examine it.

The owner said the dishwasher was left to run while she ran an errand that morning. According to firefighters, the fire appeared to originate within the electronic controls at the top of door. The fire melted the plastic components of the panel and compromised the lock, causing the dishwasher door to fall open and drop burning plastic onto the floor.

Due to the lasting smoke smell and soot in the home, the occupant was advised to find alternate accommodations until the kitchen can be cleaned up.