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Hoarding

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

    Disclaimer

    In preparing this definition, we have drawn from various sources including Legislation, Codes, Standards and industry information, research and knowledge.  Like the english language, these definitions may subtly change from time to time. As such these definitions are provided solely on the basis that users will be responsible for making their own assessment of the definition and and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.