Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) is supporting National Hoarding Awareness Week, 12-16 May 2025 to help raise awareness of the increased fire risks associated with hoarding.
There is often a strong link between hoarding and fire risks, and it’s estimated that hoarding affects 2-5% of the UK population (Hoarding Awareness Week, Clouds End CIC). Since 2022 the number of incidents attended by HIWFRS across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight where hoarding was present in a property has almost doubled, rising from 22 to 41.
The Service supports the awareness week every year to help educate the community about the fire risks associated with hoarding disorder in a bid to encourage individuals who are displaying hoarding behaviours to seek support without fear of judgment. The free home fire safety (Safe and Well) visits offered by HIWFRS play a huge part in identifying and supporting those who may be displaying hoarding behaviours.
Fire risks associated with hoarding include:
- Escape routes may become blocked preventing easy escape in the event of a fire.
- Fire spread and intensity can be accelerated by hoarded material.
- Materials can increase smoke development.
- Those with hoarding behaviours may not want people to access their space meaning essential repairs on property and utilities are not reported and fixed.
- Hoarding also creates additional risks for firefighters.
HIWFRS Safeguarding Lead Laura Cane-Andrews said:
“Supporting hoarding awareness week helps to break down stigma and educate the wider community about what to do if they or a loved one are displaying hoarding behaviours. Our home fire safety visits play a huge part in identifying and supporting members of our community with this complex mental health condition, to ensure they remain safe but can also receive any support they may want and need.We work closely with the individual and multi-agency partners to reduce the fire risks in the home.”
Hoarding is a complex mental health condition and each person’s individual circumstances have to be taken into account when deciding on the best approach. In some cases, the referred person who’s displaying the hoarding behaviour may refuse support. The Fire Service’s role then becomes advisory as part of a multi-agency approach.
Hoarding can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. You can access case studies where the Service has supported members of the community with hoarding disorders here.