Lint is really really flammable..we use it as a fire starter when we teach flint and steel fire starting methods to cub scouts!!! One good spark and walaa...fire!! Its also a good idea to get a lint trap brush and get down in the lint trap slot every now and then.. I also change the flexible vent tube every few years. I also rarely if every have the dryer running when I'm not home to keep an eye on it. I'm not normally so paranoid about anything, but for some reason (perhaps the number of house fires I've read or heard about!!) I'm a little cautious with the dryer :-)