Fires and other emergencies are more likely to occur in a home where there is hoarding and/or environmental neglect.
Every 4-6 days FRV firefighters respond to a fire or emergency where there is hoarding and/or environmental neglect.
These fires put occupants, their neighbours, and responding firefighters at risk.
High fuel loads can increase the size, spread, and severity of a fire. This makes it harder to contain and extinguish.
In a fire, blocked exits and falling objects can make it difficult to escape. This can delay firefighters from accessing a property in an emergency.
*FRV now uses the term 'environmental neglect' to describe what was known as 'squalor', in line with the recommendations by DFFH. Squalor has negative associations with filth, poverty and neglect. Using environmental neglect promotes respectful and productive service responses.
Updated