Monday, November 9, 2009

CFA says hoarding adds to Knox fire risks

THE CFA has warned residents living in outer suburban areas such as Knox to be wary of the risk posed by compulsive hoarding during the upcoming bushfire season.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade recently released a report titled An Analysis of Fire Incidents Involving Hoarding Households .

The report analysed house fires in MFB-serviced areas and showed that compulsive hoarding - a mental health condition where sufferers collect large quantities of objects or animals - led to at least 48 serious fires from 2000 to the start of 2009.

It also highlighted that one in four people killed in accidental house fires since 2000 had been a compulsive hoarder..." More