Is Hoarding a Fire Hazard?

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

According to the Mayo Clinic, hoarding disorder can be described as “a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of items.” In other words, people with hoarding disorder and their inability to get rid of items means that these items continue to accumulate until the clutter eventually spreads to the garage, vehicles, yards, and other storage facilities.

With Christmas approaching, the stuff and things are only going to be more, and the available space will only be less. There is no opportunity more perfect than now to declutter a few areas of the home. Allowing items to build up and take up a mass amount of space can actually be a danger to the home and everyone who lives in it; one of the biggest threats being fire hazards. 

With a variety of items packed into a specific area, hoarding not only increases the likelihood of a fire igniting but can also boost the size and magnitude at which the fire burns. Because of this, first responders will also have a difficult time accessing the fire if one were to break out as well as making it more difficult for them to get the flames under control. In some situations, the fire may be igniting more items faster than the fire department can put them out.

If you or a loved one needs assistance removing cluttered items from the home to prepare for Christmas, SERVPRO of Parker and Northeast Hood Counties is here to help! You can reach us 24/7 at 817-596-8714.