Firefighters investigation revealed that an improperly installed dryer vent inside a storage closet caused the dryer to overheat and catch fire, firefighters said.

It happened at the Paseo Park Apartments on Soberana Road and Pendale Lane just before 2 a.m. Tuesday.

Witnesses described seeing large flames coming out of the storage room where the washer and dryer are located.

The flames were so high that a family of five living in the apartment had to escape through a back window, firefighters said.

The father suffered minor cuts to his arm from the broken glass, but he and his three children and wife are going to be OK, firefighters said.

Other than some smoke and water damage inside the apartment, firefighters were able to contain the fire to the storage room and put it out within 10 minutes.

Two other families living in the building had to stay elsewhere until the smell of smoke dissapates from their apartments.

The Red Cross will be providing shelter to the family affected by the fire until they can move back in or find a new place to live.

Damages are estimated at $15,000.

The El Paso Fire Department wants to remind residents to always have a second escape plan in case a fire blocks your first escape route.

For information on fire prevention or for help with a fire escape plan please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 915-485-5699.