Collier County apartment fire exposes hoarding risks for residents

COLLIER COUNTY - A late-night fire at a Collier County apartment complex had firefighters facing unexpected challenges due to hoarding conditions inside the unit.

North Collier Fire officials said these conditions made it tough to reach the flames initially.

Residents Nicola and Sarah Dunbar, who live nearby, described the scene as terrifying, with flames shooting out of windows.

Sarah said, "I thought it was really scary being in such close quarters."

The fire broke out Saturday night at the complex off Pompei Lane. Body camera footage from deputies showed flames pouring from a bedroom window and smoke filling the air.

Firefighters encountered hoarding conditions, which made it difficult to access the room where the fire started.

Sarah added, "One thing I thought was thank god these buildings are concrete and not wood."

Fire officials explained that hoarding can make fires burn hotter and pose risks to both residents and firefighters.

Heather Mazurkiewicz, public information officer for North Collier Fire District, said, "It is a safety issue for your first responders that get on scene. You know, we can end up getting trapped."

The homeowner was treated for smoke inhalation and taken to the hospital.

Neighbors are reminded that living close together means what happens in one home can impact others.

North Collier Fire is still investigating the cause of the fire. They urge everyone to check on loved ones and approach hoarding conditions with empathy to ensure home safety.