Clutter could kill

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is calling on county residents to remove clutter from their homes – if it could hinder them escaping a fire or would make a rescue challenging for firefighters.

This week is UK Hoarding Awareness Week and the service wants to raise awareness of the problem.

In the past year, firefighters spotted significant obstacles in 16 Lincolnshire homes, meaning putting out a fire or rescuing someone could be more complicated.

Karl Turrill, deputy community fire safety manager for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Hoarding could significantly increase the possibility of a fire occurring in your home, and it is likely it would spread faster.

“If we need to go into a house in an emergency, it is vital that we can reach people quickly and fight a fire before it gets worse. Anything blocking a doorway or a hallway could cost us valuable time.”

For more details on fire safety at home please visit: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/LFR