East Lansing Officials Review Social Media Evidence to Identify Couch Fire Culprits

The East Lansing Fire Department responded to 54 couch fires on Nov. 7 following Michigan State University’s 15-6 football victory over the University of Michigan.

The sheer volume of incidents created what officials described as an immediate, dangerous strain on the city’s emergency response system that night.

East Lansing Fire Chief John Newman confirmed during a Friday press conference that the East Lansing Fire Department responded to 54 couch fires following the MSU football win over the University of Michigan. The East Lansing Police Department also worked to extinguish fires ignited in streets throughout the city.

No individuals have been charged in connection with the fires as of Friday, but the city is preparing to pursue legal action. Under state law and local ordinances, igniting a fire or placing combustible objects into an active blaze is strictly prohibited. East Lansing officials are now reviewing digital evidence gathered from social media to identify those involved.

“Individuals identified in connection with fires will be held fully accountable under the law,” Newman said. The Ingham County Sheriff’s Department is providing additional resources to assist the East Lansing Police Department in these investigations. According to a news release issued Friday, those identified will face charges from either the city attorney or the county prosecutor.

East Lansing Officials Review Social Media Evidence to Identify Couch Fire Culprits

The City of East Lansing plans to seek restitution through the courts for damages and personnel costs. This includes the overtime expenses incurred by the police department, fire department, and the Department of Public Works, which was tasked with clearing burned debris from public thoroughfares.

“Thousands of dollars will be required to repair damaged asphalt,” Newman said, characterizing the events as an “unacceptable wave of illegal, destructive behavior in our neighborhoods.”

The strain on municipal services was not limited to the football game. On Tuesday, the East Lansing Fire Department responded to three additional fires following the MSU men’s basketball team’s 79-73 victory over Duke University.

“We share the community’s pride in Spartan athletics, and the vast majority of fans celebrated responsibly. However, we will not tolerate the small majority who use these sporting events as an excuse to endanger our city and waste taxpayer dollars, said John Newman, East Lansing Fire Chief.”

The East Lansing Police Department is currently requesting that anyone with photo or video evidence of the individuals responsible for the fires contact Detective Andy Ferguson at [email protected].

“East Lansing and Michigan State University are known for many things, but couch burning will not be one of them,” Newman said.