"Collyer's Mansion Condition" is a term that is used to describe a house or building that has a large amount of trash and clutter in it. Specifically referring to a person or persons that are "pack rats" and have an enormous amount of material stored in an apartment or living quarters making it difficult for firefighters to gain entry or assist in any rescue or firefighting operations.

This term was coined by the FDNY in 1947 after a couple of brothers with the last name of "Collyer" had an apartment in Harlem that was extremely cluttered. They had set booby traps all over the house to "ward" off people that they thought were trying to get their belongings. One of the brothers became very ill and the other brother went to get help and fell victim to one of their own traps, both brothers were found dead and it took much more time to remove the bodies due to the conditions of the house and the traps. Because of this and other incidents the term "Collyer's Mansion Condition" was created.

"All units be advised that there is a Collyer's Mansion Condition at this location" is a common FDNY radio report.

The Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department will use this term when this condition is discovered. All members should be aware of what a "Collyer's Mansion Condition" is, and are asked to report any properties that fit this condition to a Chief Officer or a Company Officer. A radio report will follow the discovery of this condition, it may sound as follows:

"2181 to all units responding to 50 Main Street, be advised there is a Collyer's Mansion Condition at this location."

8/11/06 file: word document Collyer's Mansion Condition