Tragedy in Jeannette: Fatal Fire Highlights the Dangers of Hoarding — Fight the Blight Calls for Greater Awareness and Action
Irwin, PA — June 5, 2025 — A heartbreaking fire in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, claimed the life of a woman on the evening of May 28th. According to multiple reports, hoarding conditions inside the home significantly hampered rescue efforts and created hazardous conditions for both first responders and neighbors.
The fire, which broke out early Saturday morning on the 800 block of Scott Avenue, tragically left one woman dead. The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office confirmed that emergency crews struggled to navigate the hoarded home, delaying access and potentially contributing to the fatal outcome. Articles from TribLIVE and WTAE confirm that fire crews faced severe challenges because of the clutter.
“This tragedy is exactly why our organization exists,” said Matt Williams, founder of Fight the Blight, a nonprofit based in Irwin that addresses hoarding and housing safety issues throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Hoarding isn’t just a personal issue — it’s a public safety crisis. It puts lives at risk: the person living in the home, their neighbors, and the very people trying to save them.”
Fight the Blight has worked with municipalities, families, and mental health professionals to help clean up and remediate hoarded properties before they become fatal. According to the National Fire Protection Association, hoarding increases fire risk due to blocked exits, excess fuel for flames, and delayed rescue.
“Too often, hoarding goes ignored until something like this happens,” Williams added. “We need to bring these conversations out of the shadows. Compassionate intervention can prevent loss of life — but we have to act early.”
Williams urges local governments, emergency management officials, and community leaders to take this incident as a call to action. Fight the Blight offers outreach, education, and cleanup services designed to work with — not against — individuals struggling with hoarding behaviors.
The nonprofit is currently exploring partnerships to identify at-risk homes and provide preventative support.
“This woman didn’t need to die,” said Williams. “We can’t go back — but we can do better. Let’s stop the next fire before it starts.”
About Fight the Blight
Fight the Blight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Irwin, Pennsylvania, focused on cleaning up hoarded, abandoned, or hazardous properties while providing humane support to those affected. The organization partners with local governments, families, and mental health advocates to restore homes, improve neighborhoods, and save lives.