Cleaning out debris/leaves under fuse block on a Mercedes-Benz

[86560SEL]

Did a search, but could not find it, but I have read in the past something here about keeping leaves/debris cleaned out from under the underhood fuse box on a Mercedes- particularly the W126, but I assume it applies to all models.

I took a look at mine the other day and I could see leaves. It is very tight in there and a I could barely get my hand between the fender/fuse block. I did get some leaves out of there though. They were not packed full in there, but definitely some there. Only a few remain. Would just leaving a few in there hurt it? If so, what is the trick of getting all of them out of there? Water hose? I think a vacuum cleaner with an attachment may get some, but not all. I do not see where a few would hurt, or would it?

Also- how important is it to get the leaves/debris from under the battery tray? Is that also a fire hazard, or is nothing under that one?

Thanks in advance.