Summary
- Hoarding makes fires more likely to start.
- Fires in cluttered homes are often more dangerous.
- There are things you can do to reduce fire risk.
- CFA can help with fire safety advice, including installing smoke alarms.
- CFA can't do property inspections or force anyone to clean up their property.
What is hoarding?
Hoarding is a recognised mental health condition that can affect anyone, of any age. It is when a person finds it difficult or impossible to throw physical objects away, for emotional reasons. There is often an attachment to things like newspapers, clothes, animals, second hand goods or rubbish. Items will often have been collected over many years.
Hoarding behaviours can make every day life a challenge. Every surface in the home becomes cluttered, hallways and doorways become blocked, and moving around becomes increasingly difficult.
Hoarding increases fire risk in a home
Clutter can easily catch fire and increase the intensity of a fire. Everything inside the home becomes a form of fuel, feeding the fire.
If gas or electrical services have been turned off or can't be accessed, a resident might cook or heat food unsafely. For example, using a heater in a living area to cook food increases the risk of fire.
Getting in and out is harder
Hoarding makes it hard for residents to get out and firefighters to get in during an emergency. This is because hallways, windows and doors can become blocked.
Clutter creates more intense fires
Large amounts of clutter provides more fuel for a fire. This creates a more intense fire which can be more difficult and dangerous to put out. Clutter also makes it harder for firefighters to find people who might be trapped inside.
How to help someone living with hoarding
Long-term professional support is needed
Hoarding is a complex issue which requires intervention and long-term support. It is important for people to get long-term help from health and human services.
One-off clean-ups won't help
One-off clean-ups don't deal with the underlying reasons for the hoarding behaviour. This kind of approach won't result in lasting change. It's also very stressful for the resident.
Create a safer home environment
Something you can do is make the home more fire safe. Victorian fire services recommend the following steps be taken to improve fire safety:
- Install smoke alarms and test them. If you are not able to, CFA can install smoke alarms if the resident provides permission. See CFA's Smoke Alarm Installation Service.
- Unblock exits by moving clutter.
- Widen hallways and passageways to allow for more movement.
- Check gas and electricity are connected.
- Remove clutter from the stove top and around the cooking area.
- Remove clutter from around heaters and electrical items
- Discourage open flames (fires, candles, smoking).
What CFA can do
CFA can:
- Give advice on creating a home fire escape plan.
- Install smoke alarms if the property is safe to enter and the resident agrees to have them installed. Find out more about CFA's Smoke Alarm Installation Service.
- Offer residents, their support staff and carers a free e-Learning course, Prevent Detect Escape. This course is designed to help staff learn how to support their clients and improve the fire safety of their home.
What CFA can't do
Victorian Fire Services:
- Don't have the powers to enter a property without permission (even if there's a suspected fire hazard), unless there is a fire.
- Don't have the powers to compel a resident to clean up an unsafe property.
- Only do inspections of residential properties if required by VCAT or Victorian Courts.
Who to contact for help
Contact your local council for support. Councils can sometimes help link residents to appropriate services. They can also help deal with outdoor hoarding, visible clutter and pest problems.
If you need further help, please contact CFA by email at resreferrals@cfa.vic.gov.au. Alternatively submit an enquiry to our partner agency, Fire Rescue Victoria's 'At Risk Groups' team. CFA and FRV work together to support people struggling with hoarding to become more fire safe in their homes.
Hoarding and apartments
Hoarding is also dangerous in apartments. There are different risks to be aware of, including:
- Sprinkler systems are not as effective because hoarded objects block the water from reaching the fire.
- Hoarded objects blocking exits in communal spaces, making it harder for people to evacuate if there is a fire.
Please note, storing belongings in fire stairs and stopping fire doors from closing is breaking the law and you can be fined.
Page last updated: Thursday, 17 September 2026 2:19:45 PM