Hoarding Hindered Firefighters at New Jersey Blaze

Fire has destroyed a New Jersey home that was so chock full of surplus military equipment, dressers, refrigerators and other material that a fire official called it “one of the most extreme examples of hoarding.”

Avenel Assistant Fire Chief Frank Strain told The Homes News Tribune of East Brunswick the front of the house in Woodbridge was engulfed in flames Sunday.

Strain says firefighters couldn’t get into the home through the door or windows because they were blocked by dressers stacked two- and three-high.

The fire does not appear suspicious.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team from Naval Weapons Station Earle determined the military equipment was inert and posed no danger.

The home’s 66-year-old owner was moved to a hotel.

No one was injured.