Hoarding slows firefighters in house fire

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Firefighters believe hoarding may be to blame for a house fire death in Minnesota.

At first firefighters were only able to spray water on the exterior to put out the flames.

Crews fought to get inside to save the homeowner but could not get through quickly or safely.

"It's really difficult in this case to even get access to the house. We had to enlarge some of the windows and doorways with our power saws," said Fire Chief Time Butler.

Firefighters found the homeowner inside, just feet from a side door surrounded by personal belongings.

Crews now have to pull everything out of the house to make sure all of the hot spots are out.