- Hoarding
Hoarding, as it relates to fire safety, is the persistent accumulation of, and inability to relinquish, large volumes of items, which compromises the intended use of a property and endangers the health and safety of occupants and their neighbours. This behaviour creates significant fire risks by obstructing pathways and exits, increasing fuel load, and hindering access for emergency services.
The risks posed by hoarding include:
- Increased fire ignition sources, such as combustible items near live electrical devices or heat sources.
- Blocked escape routes, making evacuation difficult or impossible during emergencies.
- Limited access for firefighters, delaying rescue and fire suppression efforts.
According to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), properties with higher levels of clutter (rated 5–9 on the Clutter Image Rating Scale) substantially increase the risk of fire, injury, or death. This underscores the critical importance of managing hoarding to protect live.
See Also: Squalor