TEMPE, Ariz. --
Firefighters from around the state have joined together to prevent another explosion like the one that hurt two firefighters at a Tempe home last week.
The home was filled floor to ceiling with stuff accumulated by hoarders, and caused an explosion so powerful it blew out the garage door, investigators said.
On Tuesday afternoon, different agencies talked about forming an alliance. They said a task force has been created to combat hoarding in Arizona. They also launched a website at azhoarding.com to teach the public about the dangers of overloading homes with combustible items.
"This is not just a singular issue to the city of Tempe. This is actually a problem that is throughout the Valley, throughout the state, and throughout the country," said Brad Pitassi, a spokesman for the Maricopa Fire Department. "These fires kill firefighters."
Last week's fire burned one firefighter on his face, ear and hand. Another suffered a knee injury. One of the homeowners also received burns to his chest and back, firefighters said.
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