Can a hot water heater cause a fire?

Question

i live in a two bedroom loft that also has an extra storage unit upstairs where the hot water heater is stored. in recent months we have packed stuff in there to the point where you have to wiggle your way to adjust anything on the water heater. so my question is, with having that much stuff (boxes and such) next the hot water heater, could it be considered a fire hazard?

Answer 1

my electric hot water heater caught on fire this morning!  it is only a couple of months old!  be careful!