Firefighters in Exeter have been raising awareness of the dangers of over-cluttered homes today.
Poor housekeeping was a factor in the 88 fatal fires in the south west in the five years to 2013.
An open session has been held offering confidential advice and support to hoarders, from both the fire service and a professional de-clutterer.
Gareth Sydenham, the community safety manager for the Exeter area, says piles of hoarded possessions can be really dangerous if fire does break out... they can cause the flames to spread more quickly, block the escape routes for occupants, and also obstruct firefighters and other emergency workers as they try to rescue them.
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