Fire Department

An alarm investigation early Saturday morning led to the discovery of a bundle of bed sheets in the process of spontaneously combusting. The situation was caught early and contained by responding firefighters, resulting in no injuries or damage to property.

Ladder Co. 2 was dispatched to 620 Grand Canyon Drive at 2:18 a.m. to investigate an active fire alarm. There were no signs of fire or distress upon firefighters’ arrival. The crew was met by the business owner, who provided keys for entry.

Ladder 2 opened the door and noted a strong smell of burning oils. Firefighters made their way to the back of the business and found a laundry basket containing smoking and charring bed sheets. The sheets were very warm and were bundled tightly from being in the dryer prior to being placed in a laundry basket.

Firefighters brought the basket outside, emptied the sheets onto the ground, and doused them with water to extinguish them.

The business owner confirmed these sheets are used for massage care and contained residue of massage oils. They had been removed from the clothes dryer at approximately 9:00 p.m., about five hours prior to the fire alarm activating.

Firefighters believe the sheets were in the process of spontaneously combusting when they were discovered. Spontaneous combustion can occur when oily fabrics, such as rags and other cloth materials, are stored in bundles. The heat retained from recent use of the clothes dryer was likely a contributing factor.

Early detection by the fire alarm system, coupled with fast response by Ladder Co. 2, are credited for the quick discovery of the issue and preventing the situation from growing into a full structure fire.

Additional Resources: Oily Rags Safety Tips (NFPA)