A Firefighter safety issue: the dangers of “hoarder homes”

Eureka, Ca., (KIEM)- A home catches on fire in Eureka, pushing smoke into the street. Now, the smoke has cleared. The flames fought back by fire fighters for more than four and a half hours. The structure fire took longer to extinguish– and the damage left behind may be more severe because the house was overly filled with possessions. Humboldt bay fire battalion chief Timothy Citro explains why “hoarder homes” are especially dangerous.

“For us it’s a huge fire fighter safety issue, and also makes the fire a lot more difficult to access. We will change out tactics on residents with an excess of belongings if we know about it. What we’re asking is if anyone in a neighborhood knows there might be a residence like this on their block please come down to the fire station and let us know and we’ll follow up on it.” Citro explains.

A similar warning was issued to overcrowded buildings and warehouses. For example, gaining access to a building through any smoke vents during a fire is far more difficult when excess clutter or equipment is in the way.

Another problem? Firefighters were told there were multiple people inside the house, and immediately started into the structure to search for them, putting their lives at risk. All three occupants had escaped the fire before crews arrived, but hadn’t gathered nor informed firefighters that everyone was accounted for right away.

“The message that we like to get across to people, is please have a meeting place outside.” says Citro, “So that we can actually focus on fighting the fire, instead of trying to potentially rescue the people inside.”