Hi Ray

This is not a safe situation so you need to stop using the dryer until you get this fixed.

What is happening is that your heating element or gas heating (since you did not post a model number I cannot tell if you have a gas or electric dryer) is staying on even though the dryer has shut down. When you open the door the motor and blower shuts off. The blower had been exhausting the heat, but if it is not operating and the heat remains on, it is heating up your dryer and this is not good.

The dryers have thermal fuses/cutoff/thermostats which should shut down your dryer if the heat gets too high, but you should not rely on this for safety.

If the dryer is electric your element may be grounded, or there may be a problem with the electrical circuits through the motor. Another safety device built into a dryer prevents the heating system from coming on unless the motor is operating. This is to prevent the exact problem you are having. This is not working in your case.

You may also have some lint buildup or other obstructions in your venting system. You should unplug the dryer and open it up and visually examine the heating parts to see if you can determine what the problem might be.

If you will post your model number we may be able to give you some additional information, but again, I strongly suggest that you do not operate your dryer until you have this fixed.

Good luck, let us know what your find out.