Cluttered Home A Fire Hazard?

Question

I know a woman who is in her 60's and is a total packrat! This woman has been collecting pointless objects for decades.
She owns a big house, yet every single room is cluttered. Some rooms are used strictly for storage (3 rooms filled to the ceiling with boxes), but all rooms are absolutely cluttered. Her attic is stuffed so full of junk, her garage as well, she has run out of space so there are boxes in the hall! all her 3 sheds are full as well. It is a fire hazard is it not? I tried to explain the danger but she shrugs it off as though she's the senior and therefore correct. What would the city/fire department do if they knew about this? I worry not just about the consequences she may face from them but that the house will catch fire someday. Help me know what she faces and what I can do to help? Thanks all!

Answer 1

Its a hazard and there's nothing you can do about it. It's a psychological condition that makes people do this. Throwing away a broken glass is like you throwing out your high school trophy.

If there's a fire, she's a goner, but thats the choice she's making. Just hope the neighbors are set back far enough to avoid the flames.

Answer 2

Yeah fire waiting to happen. An old couple died a few blocks away from me about 2 weeks ago becuse their overly cluttered house caught on fire and burned really fast because of the mounds and mounds of newspapers, boxes etc they had. The cause of the fire was electric I believe.

Answer 3

You could try asking for a leaflet or other printed information from your local fire station, regarding the dangers of clutter, and leave it with her. If you offered to clear out her house while she is out at the shopping mall, she might accept the offer, but if she doesn't, there's nothing you can do to help.

Answer 4

Bad fire hazard. If there was a fire, two things. #1, she wouldn't be able to get out in time. And #2: The fire would spread very quickly. Tell her to store the items in one of those storage places.