State Fire Chiefs Plan Worcester Seminar
On Dangers In Hoarders’ Burning Homes
WORCESTER – The state Association of Fire Chiefs has organized nine programs across the state on the topic, “Collyer’s Mansion and Hoarder Home Fires: A Firefighter’s Worst Nightmare,” including one in Worcester. It will show the dangers of a hoarders home covering not only the fire risks but also the hygiene risks too. It will discuss steps of how to get through to a hoarder and then discuss companies like Bio Cleanup AZ who can help clean the home and get it back to suitable living conditions.
The 2016 Seminar Series, featuring FDNY Captain Ken Begbie and Firefighter Robert LaGrow, will be Worcester at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Worcester Fire Department, 36 Church St.
A fire in the home of a compulsive hoarder presents a myriad of additional challenges and dangers to first responders by adding hundreds of pounds of material, furniture, and clothing into the mix, according to the association. Locally, a Middlefield Center home was so packed last spring that responding Cooperstown firefighters had to let it burn itself out. This could send an important message to those that are hoarding. Perhaps it might a good idea for those people to seek professional support from ServiceMaster of Lake shore or services similar to clean their home.
It will be hard to change the ways of all hoarders, but if just a few start to clear up then there is less risk involved for firefighters and locals. Whilst most hoarders build up collections on their own, sometimes people are left belongings, clutter and junk by a member of their family who has sadly passed. This can be a difficult and sensitive problem to tackle. Deceased estate rubbish removals are available for those who need help in this situation.
This program will review tactics and make first responders more aware of the horrid conditions they will encounter in these residences. Instructor Ken Begbie is a 32-year veteran of the fire service currently assigned as captain of FDNY Engine Co. 63 in the Bronx. He is also a life member of the Haverstraw Fire Department, where he reached the rank of captain. Bob LaGrow is a 22-year member of the fire service. He is a firefighter with FDNY assigned to Ladder Co. 39 in the Bronx and chief of the West Haverstraw Fire Department. Both Begbie and LaGrow serve as instructors at the Rockland County Fire Training Center.
The program attendance fee is $15.00 per person for NYSAFC members and $25.00 for non-members. On site and pre-registration are available. Visit www.nysfirechiefs.com for additional information.