Most firefighters’ least favorite type of house fire is a hoarder house.
They’re tough to navigate, have lots of fuel, and can hide some nasty surprises.
If you haven’t dealt with one yet, you will. Compulsive Hoarding Disorder is a psychological mental condition that affects up to five percent of adults and the number is growing.
My guest today wrote the book on fighting fires in hoarder houses.
Ryan Pennington is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the Charleston West Virginia Fire Department.
He’s currently assigned to Station 8 and is part of the West Virginia Task Force 1 USAR team.
With over 15 years of combined Fire, Rescue and EMS experience, Ryan teaches firefighter safety around the country.
He also hosts the popular Jumpseat Radio podcast and runs a website called Chamber of Hoarders.
Ryan’s article: Tactics for Battling Fires in Hoarder Homes
Ryan’s article: The Dangers of Hoarder Fires
Get Ryan’s book:
Trivia question:
The danger of backdraft increases dramatically as oxygen levels drop below what percentage?
Answer:
16 percent.
