Faulty Dishwasher Blamed for Fire That Caused $70,000 Worth of Damage

A faulty dishwasher is being blamed for a house fire in St. Peters.

The fire occurred on Nov. 21 at 723 Hidden Lake Drive in St. Peters. The homeowner left home with the dishwasher running. Central County Fire and Rescue said that two hours later, the kitchen was in flames and smoke was coming out of windows on the first and second floor of the home.

Investigators estimate $70,000 worth of damage was caused by the blaze. No one was injured in the fire. 

A further investigation into the fire showed that the dishwasher in the home was part of a recall issued by BSH Home Appliances Corporation for Bosch and Siemens model dishwashers in January 2009. An electrical component in the dishwashers was shown to have a tendency to overheat, which could cause a fire. 

“This particular fire highlights the importance of registering any product you bring into your home,” CCFR Chief Russ Mason said in a release. “The information you provide allows companies to contact you with important safety recall details, sometimes years after you have purchased a product.”

There is no evidence to show the dishwasher that caused the fire was registered, and the owners were not aware of the recall.

CCFR said it's important for home owners to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website which provides regular product recall information.