Ann Arbor's proposed couch ban should be revisited to save lives
Couches are comfy. Couches are inviting. Couches are plush and great to relax on, watch television and socialize with friends indoors.Â
But outdoors and on front porches, they create a tremendous fire hazard.
Indoor couches are made for the indoors. They are not meant for the outdoors.
Modern sofas have flame-retardant materials in them, but the outside elements degrade them. The couch on the porch endures countless cycles of high humidity, heat, cold, wind, sunlight, rain, snow and abuse it wasn't designed to handle.
In the next few weeks as students move out of their housing, the curbs will be littered with furniture, including sofas discarded by students who are moving away. Who knows how much direct weather the sofas will endure before someone sees this trash as treasure that would be perfect on their front porch - maybe even right next to the grill.
I can hear the trash picker now, “Dude, that way we can kick back, fire up a medicinal doobie or pound a beer while we grill our steaks - AWESOME!” Until the sofa catches fire and burns down the house as it has so many times in recent years.
Two fires stick out in my mind that caused injuries, but may have been deadly had the victims not been conditioned athletes. These fires occurred in the 1000 block of Oakland and the 700 block of Arbor.
Both were very close calls. Both of these major fires were within about six houses of each other and about a year apart. At least one of those fires occurred in an older home with “balloon” construction, which had no firebreaks between floors. Both houses were quickly consumed by fires started on front porch couches.
Several years ago, an idea was floated about an ordinance banning sofas on porches in Ann Arbor, and it didn't draw much attention. Other cities have such ordinances.
Chris Reilly of Ann Arbor is pictured in this 2005 file photo on the couch on his friends' porch at a house on the corner of Division and Hoover streets in Ann Arbor. Reilly said he was opposed to a ban on upholstered furniture on porches.
Perhaps the time has come for such an ordinance in Ann Arbor.
How many students have to be injured or killed? How many rental properties must burn? How many more tragedies must we endure before we try to do something positive to prevent this?
Will a couch ordinance prevent all fires in off-campus housing? No. But I can say from experience that I know of at least three injury/fatality fires it would have prevented.
We don't yet know what caused the recent tragic fire that killed 22-year-old Renden LeMaster. We do know it started on the porch of the South State Street home, and the home had a couch on the porch.
My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of that fire. The living will endure pain and psychological trauma. Renden LeMaster’s family must mourn the death of their beloved son. I can not imagine the pain they must be feeling, but my heart goes out to them from one parent to another.
Perhaps Renden LeMaster’s terrible death could save others students’ lives if the couch ban discussion is renewed now. It is time to ban indoor upholstered furniture (e.g. sofas and overstuffed chairs) on outdoor front porches!
If you agree, please contact your council member or the mayor and ask them to adopt an ordinance banning indoor furniture on outside porches. Let’s all work together and save some lives.
Lock it up, don’t leave it unattended, be aware and watch out for your neighbors.
PLEASE NOTE: The Ann Arbor Police Department is looking for anyone with information about the fire at 928 South State. If you have any information please contact the Ann Arbor Police Department tip line at: Tips@a2gov.org or call the anonymous tip line at 734-794-6939.
Rich Kinsey is a retired Ann Arbor police detective sergeant who now blogs about crime and safety for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
pooh bear
Sat, Apr 24, 2010 : 9:45 a.m.
all the fires have been in rentals. This means that the residents are not the property owners. So it is not about the rights of property owners for most of the affected area. Similarly, these rentals are in the oldest parts of town, where the houses have porches. Porches were out of fashion for over 50 years so a substantial percentage of AA housing does not have porches. Let's focus in on where the problem is and prevent any more fires and fatalities by landlord enforced removal of flammable items on porches.
bunnyabbot
Mon, Apr 19, 2010 : 4:48 p.m.
rici, as you have pointed out there is furniture sold specifically for outdoor use that have cushions. The fact is fire retardent or not, degraded or not a couch would burn if a person were careless or malicious in setting it on fire, which could happen indoors or outdoors. Perhaps they are thinking that outdoors there is a larger chance it could be maliciously burned by a stranger. a few years ago I lived between the ashley parking lot and the homeless shelter. the doorbell rang after dark, I answered with through the door. A woman asked for money (she tried my neighbors as well) a few moments after she left I smelled smoke, she had dropped a cigerrete in my wooden mailbox on my porch! People are jerks
Rici
Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 10:56 p.m.
"Modern sofas have flame-retardant materials in them, but the outside elements degrade them." This answers the question I had when I saw a similar comment on p 3 of the Sunday print edition - that couches were a fire hazard. Iththey're intrinsically a fire hazard, shouldn't they be banned indoors as well? But if the problem is exposure, that explains the distinction. But how much exposure degrades it? Has this been documented? I support the smoking ban, so I'm not one of those "stop the regulation madness!" people, but I think this proposal is kind of silly. Seems like the lease angle is the way to go. On the other hand, if the fire department supports it, I would like to know their reasoning. I could perhaps be swayed to the other side. And what about wicker furniture, with cushions, sold for outdoor use? How would that fare under this ban?
Andryac
Sun, Apr 18, 2010 : 10:38 a.m.
@ Jed I Knight, lol @ Independent_Thinker & Lokalisierung, thanks for answering me. Lokalisierung, I think we have somewhat of a syntax error here--instead of "made" I should have said "manufactured". I was not referring to the purposing of but rather the basic construction of indoor furniture re: weather/pests etc. No offense taken.
Pete san
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 7:59 p.m.
The City should spend its time and resources on efforts that will improve services, and reduce costs, like the LED light project. Spending funds on another law that takes away another little bit our one's "freedom", and have no significant impact on safety, is a waste. If you let the City pass this ordinance, you will wake up, and find that something you think is OK, will soon be illegal. Be careful, think long and hard before you support an effort like this porch couch ban.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 6:13 p.m.
"Would you use a big old wooden picnic table in your kitchen. I think not." Absolutely not...I would put it in the dining room.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 1:44 p.m.
how many of the couch fires happened with rental properties? non rental properties? perhaps landlords should have in thier leases that renters shall take measures to keep garbage in containers and are not allowed to have upholstered furniture outside of the living spaces. I know landlords that put in the lease that fireplaces are not to be used. How about that for grills too? seems that a landlord would be wise to add these into the leases individually to protect their property
swcornell
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 1:17 p.m.
They make porch furniture. That's what should be used on the porch. Otherwise banning indoor furniture being used outdoors makes sense. Would you use a big old wooden picnic table in your kitchen. I think not. What's the old phrase "That's so ghetto!"
TF
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 7:51 a.m.
Why don't we just ban students altogether? That just might be enough to satisfy the "townies".
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Apr 16, 2010 : 6:21 a.m.
"Modern sofas have flame-retardant materials in them, but the outside elements degrade them." Is there a study or some hard facts that can substantiate this statement?
Jed I Knight
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 11:33 p.m.
At MSU we were proactive, putting our couches in the streets; burning them planfully.
mars
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 10:02 p.m.
You'll have to pry my porch couch from my cold dead hands.
Lokalisierung
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 4:32 p.m.
There is a possibility, a very strong one, that some arsons are going on in town. If that's true it doesn't reaqlly matter what's on your porch.
Lokalisierung
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.
"Is it just having the right taken away? I am genuinely curious. I mean, couches aren't made for porches/outdoor weather/mold/pests, etc." one thing is yes just the right being taken away. Another is it's a reaction, I wont say knee-jerk cause I don't have all the facts, to something that may or may not have been a factor in the latest tragedy. All I heard was the fire was started (suspiciously) in a wastecan/trash can type thing. So what does this have to do with Furniture? Well they ar kind of related maybe becasue that could possibly help a fire start which maybe happened once. It's a reactionary move to take away a right you have, that may not even be part of the original equation. I'm not a militia member thinking everyone is out to get me, and I understand people would want this to pass in order to help people, not infringe on their rights. But sometimes that happens. So I can't have a couch on my porch, how about lighter fluid for my grill? Then how about my grill, then a trashcan, then a wriath(sp) for X-mas, etc... And then of course it comes down to someone like you, no offense, telling me what furniture is made for. What if I have a screened in porch? What if it has windows and keeps my furniture dry from the elements? Who is anyone to tell me what to do with my silly furniture? I bought the dang thing, I can put it where I want.
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.
@ Andryac, People can make their own decisions about what to do on and with their own property. It's not the business of the government or your neighbor what we do as individuals when it comes to furniture. (really doesn't that just sound plain silly - furniture placement? mandated by the government?). Really? @ Stephanie Murray, I sincerely hope that AnnArbor.com is not paid for with property and or state/federal taxes, as you just violated my first amendment rights by removing my comment and if you are funded by the above sources, I don't pay the government to violate my rights. There was nothing obscene in that comment. Keep the change! IT
Andryac
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.
Why so much hostility about this issue in the comments? Is it just having the right taken away? I am genuinely curious. I mean, couches aren't made for porches/outdoor weather/mold/pests, etc.
Amy
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.
I agree there needs to be a ban on all upholstered furniture on porches. No on is saying that a fire won't happen if there were no couches on porches but history speaks for itself. The majority of fires on campus involve a couch or some other type of upholstered furniture on porches. This is a no brainer! How many more people need to be injured or killed? As for the landlords and management companies, yes they too need to have their leasing documents clearly state that indoor furniture will not be allowed outside, ours does. However it would be a lot easier to enforce if the city were backing me up!
Lokalisierung
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 11:30 a.m.
WEll the State st. fire started (suspiciously) in a trash can didn't it? Better ban trash cans.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.
@labtech Do you really think that you should have a right to dictate aesthetics to your neighbors? If upholstered couches really are a greater fire hazard if they happen to be outside, that is one thing. I am not convinced that they are. Ypsilanti has an anti-porch couch ordinance and I wish they didn't but I won't bother to fight it since I don't personally want a couch on my own porch. Still, I think the ordinance is there because people think they are ugly or "ghetto" and I don't generally think that is a good enough reason.
pooh bear
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
I have wanted such a ban ever since it was brought forward years ago by the Fire Dept. When your fire department asks for help, and when safety should be our top concern, it is amazing to me that nothing was done. AS a landlord, I would never allow a flammable item on my porch and I wonder at the landlords who do allow it. How can they get insurance with such a potential hazard on the porch? Such fires also endanger other buildings nearby which makes it even more incomprehensible that there is no such law on the books. Municipalities have long had the power to enact laws in the interest of public safety. This is one of those opportunities. Please do this.
Jake C
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 10:26 a.m.
Hell no, this is just another attempt to regulate anything that might bring down property values in the name of "protecting our children". There's dozens of other things that could be done to improve the general safety of our community before banning porch couches.
Independent_Thinker
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.
Come on, really? Don't tell me what to do with my property. I'll make my own decisions based on common sense and be responsible for my own actions and decisions. Stay out of my life government. It's my responsibility to watch out for me, and I accept that responsibility. Evolution will take care of idiots that use BBQs on their wooden deck and smoke dope on the couch that they have on their porch. This has to be the dumbest story I have read here yet. a2grateful, belboz, and fred thank you for your intelligent posts, they have reassured me that some people in this city actually have some common sense. I'd never vote for this guy for city council. He's obviously a big governemnt whack job that wants to control each and every aspect of your life. A couch ban, really, there's a story and actually consideration for this, ARE YOU FKM????
Fred Posner
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.
This is truly becoming the community that regulates. Couches unsafe? If that were true, we'd have an epidemic based on how many couches we can see around campus. You want to regulate something because it looks "ghetto" and not high class enough for you? The most "ghetto" and unsafe thing I see in Ann Arbor is the Stadium Road bridge. But if you're ok with that and would rather focus on a couch on someone's porch, then I am not sure you and I have the same definitions of unsafe. Your concerns for the well-being of others are nice... instead of making laws and prohibiting an action, try letting people live their lives in the pursuit of happiness. And, maybe sitting on one's own porch (whether rented or owned) in a comfortable chair enjoying the outside air provides happiness. If it makes you unhappy, then don't do it on your porch. But don't make laws that are unnecessary. If you're truly concerned over safety, pressure your reps to fix the bridge, the roads, and provide for police and fire personnel. Then, when you're done fixing those issues, please sit down and relax on a couch... placed wherever you feel it can provide you enjoyment.
labtech
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 9:39 a.m.
Anyone gonna mention how ghetto it looks?? Ann Arbor is supposed to be full of such 'high class' people and yet they don't mind the living room furniture on their neighbor's porch?? It's not only unsafe, it's tacky!!
Mousedeva
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.
The problem is always people not using common sense or caring, not where a couch is located! How this world continues to evolve is beyond me!
a2grateful
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 9:03 a.m.
Actually, rental property owners could halt many fire safety hazards easily. Their lease language could state: 1) No indoor furniture may be used, or stored, on porches. 2) No grills may be used or stored, on porches. 3) No combustibles may be stored near any flame source on or in property. 4) If any such conditions are found, tenant agrees that items are abandoned property, to be disposed of at lessor's sole discretion, at sole cost to tenant. 5) Cost to tenant will be charged at beginning of next month's rent. 6) Cost to tenant consists of removal charge, transport charge, and disposal charge. 7) Tenant agrees that each instance of removal shall incur a minimum charge of $100, or that defined in item 6, whichever is MORE. 8) Any municipal fines related to use of the property while in tenant's possession are the sole responsibility and liability of the tenant. How's that sound at first read, rental property owners?
Doodles
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 8:35 a.m.
Not only are the stuffed couches a fire hazard but in my experience, invite trouble. Whilst at EMU many moons ago, my roommate insisted on putting a big stuffed chair on the porch and not only did it almost catch on fire two times in one year. It also seemed to invite every bum in Washtenaw county to sit on our porch which lead to multiple car break-in's. When the chair went so did the bums and the "little /almost big" fires. I THINK Ypsilanti has a ban on stuffed porches and charcoal grills on porches for the very reason that they are fire hazards.
garrisondyer
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 8:14 a.m.
"flame-retardant materials" could easily be substituted with "neurotoxin". Everyone should know this!
InsideTheHall
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 8:05 a.m.
Duck, here comes the Nanny State!
Fred Posner
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:52 a.m.
With all due respect to the family of the departed, this is a bad idea and simply the wrong way of going about life. Yes, life. This is the United States of America, and you have the right to be stupid. You have the right to live your life. And if you want a couch on your wooden porch, so be it. Why not make all wood illegal? It's the logical next step to your thinking. If we made all homes and furniture out of stainless steel... we could save lives! How many people have to die before we ban the use of wood in homes??? It's an exaggeration, but it's your same argument. If you want to have a couch on your porch, then put a couch on your porch. If someone mistakingly can light their couch on fire, then they can mistakingly light an indoor couch on fire, too. If you feel that you are not responsible enough to use a couch without setting it on fire, or feel the risk of fire is too great, then please do not put a couch on your porch. HOWEVER... if you feel you cannot handle the responsibility of a couch on your porch DO NOT try to infringe on the freedoms of others by making a law prohibiting the use of couches outside.
a2grateful
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.
Sidebar: has the cause of fire been determined yet for the house on State Street? I have read that it was labeled as suspicious... has it been determined that the fire was related to an occupant and their use of porch and couch? At the very least, the main article seems to be quite patronizing...
URmaster
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:42 a.m.
Clearly, with the recent rash of house fires, the ban should be enforced and all porches routinely inspected in the vast, overflowing student ghettos. Enough students have died.
belboz
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:40 a.m.
Someone died falling off a ladder - should we ban it? Someone died while walking down stairs. Should we ban them? How about focussing on serious problems. Is this really a problem that needs to be associated with a2 news? My gosh - alchohol kills more in one day than couches probaly have in the last 100.
C6
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.
There's been a lot of interest and in fact demand for new city council members lately, so how about it Mr. Kinsey? Why not run for one of the positions up for election later this year, and once in office you can author your own version of a couch-ban ordinance? Why sit back writing occasional little bits of advice when the city still needs your services? Just because you're collecting a monthly city pension check doesn't mean the population doesn't still need your help.
Shope
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:25 a.m.
So let's repeal motorcycle helmet laws and ban couches, we really got this public safety thing down. You can paint a turd but it's still flammable. Oh and Rich, Dude, that way we can kick back, fire up a medicinal doobie or pound a beer while we grill our steaks - AWESOME!, your a classist. Not everyone who can't afford new outdoor furniture is a drunk or drug user.
Mike D.
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 7:13 a.m.
Bravo, Mr. Kinsey. Such an ordinance is long overdue.
a2grateful
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 6:50 a.m.
Maybe we should ban couches in living rooms, too... and combustible house materials... and fire... and accidents? Are these the solutions? Absolutely not. In fact, few suggestions, good or nonsensical, will comfort those that are grieving. So: CONDOLENCES to those that have lost loved ones and homes in recent fires! We are very sorry for your loss! To all others: + Be proactive + Work out a multi-path escape plan from your house in the event of fire and/or smoke. Make sure your family gets it. + Install and/or maintain your smoke and CO detectors + Remove combustible materials surrounding furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, and grills. A 3-foot clear perimeter would probably suffice, although I've seen recommendations of 4 feet. Again, CONDOLENCES to those that have lost loved ones and homes in recent fires!
Moose
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 6:39 a.m.
The laws protect the fools, but not the stupid fools.
townie
Thu, Apr 15, 2010 : 6:27 a.m.
I'd also be in favor of banning the idiocy of grilling on wooden porches. Sometimes you wonder how people have managed to keep themselves alive for as long as they have....