The Leader's Toolbox: Heavy Contents & Hoarder Homes

Dr. Richard Gasaway talks with Ryan Pennington about his research and findings on fire department responses to hoarder homes. Ryan has written a number of articles on Firehouse.com about this topic.

Pennington discusses the various levels and degrees of hoarding and how they can impact firefighter safety and fireground tactics. He stresses the need for a solid size-up and shares key points that all firefighters can find to indentify the "heavy contents" fire scenario.

The two also discuss recent fire incidents in these these homes as well as how first responders need to work with the occupants to assure their mental well-being when the debris is being removed from the structure.