Hoarding; a lethal fire risk
What is ‘hoarding’?
- Hoarding is a large accumulation of possessions which appear to have no apparent use or value
- It results in rooms no longer being able to be used for the purpose they were intended
- People aged 50 years and over are more likely to be affected
- Hoarding is a progressive and chronic condition
People affected by hoarding may also experience a high level of isolation and reject offers of assistance as they fear this will result in removal of their possessions.
People who hoard do so for a variety of different reasons. The effects of hoarding can be apparent inside, outside the house or a combination of both.
Commonly hoarded items include personal papers, newspapers, clothing, furniture, appliances, household rubbish, animals and hard rubbish.
The fire risks
Older people (who are already the highest fire risk group), are particularly vulnerable in houses where there is hoarding. Fires in hoarding homes are an increased risk not only to the occupant, but also to their neighbours and firefighters.
MFB research has identified that since 2000, people aged 50 plus who are affected by hoarding, account for 24 per cent of all fire fatalities in the Metropolitan Fire District.
Hoarding increases the risk of fire because:
- Accumulation of possessions results in an abnormally high fuel load and greater opportunity for ignition
- Blocked exits and narrow internal pathways impede escape for the occupant and access for firefighters
- Non functional gas or electricity may result in unsafe practices for cooking and heating
MFB recommends that in the first instance, individuals or agencies assisting those affected by hoarding should:
- Install smoke alarms and test them
- Unblock exits
- Widen internal pathways
- Get utilities reconnected for the resident as soon as possible
Information on general fire safety can be found at www.mfb.vic.gov.au and more specifically home fire safety at www.homefiresafety.com.au
For further information please contact the Community Education Department on (03) 9665 4464 or commed@mfb.vic.gov.au