Iowa Residents Escape Blow Dryer Fire

April 19, 2011

Two people escaped a fire at their Cedar Rapids home unharmed after fire officials say a blow dryer ignited paint cleaner.

The Gazette is reporting that one of the residents was painting the kitchen and was using a blow dryer to speed the drying process. Fire officials say the resident also used paint cleaner to remove paint from the floor.

Officials say it appears the blow dryer caused the paint cleaner to ignite.

Heavy smoke was coming from both floors of the rental house when firefighters responded about 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Smoke, heat and fire damage was reported throughout the first floor of the house. The second story mainly suffered smoke damage.