Are you a hoarder? Hoarding can Contribute to Fire Risks

by Guest writer, Mark Hustwitt (Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Communications and Engagement Manager, Bedfordshire) It is estimated that there are over 7,000 people in Bedfordshire who hoard their possessions and clutter their homes. Hoarding increases the risk of fires to both the person living there and to firefighters who might need to assist if a fire breaks out. Between 2% and 5% of adults have hoarding disorder symptoms. These can start in the teenage years and become more problematic in older age. How items are organised separates a "collection" from “hoarding”. Collections are well-ordered and easily accessible, a hoard is usually disorganised, items take up a lot of space making the room largely inaccessible. Most of the possessions that accumulate in hoarders homes are combustible, such as newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes etc. These items will provide a ready supply of fuel for any fire that may start in the hoarder’s home, causing the fire