By Vincent Dunn

Ordinary clothing, when hanging in a closet, can conceal a smoldering fire. Pockets of air between the layers of clothing and the added problem of plastic covering over clothing from a dry cleaner increases the chance of a smoldering fire going unnoticed.

Burned clothing must be removed from the closet, pulled apart and wet by a hose stream. When it is being removed from the closet during overhaul, the smoldering clothing may flare up, revealing the rekindle danger.

• Vincent Dunn is a retired FDNY Deputy Chief. For more tactical advice and tips, go to Vincentdunn.com. For lecture information, call 1-800-231-3388.