Couch Starts Fire in Local Detroit Neighborhood
Posted: Wednesday, September 02, 2009
by Ronyae
Writings by Ronyae
Residents on my block were awakened by the screeching sounds of firetrucks. Normally, a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood, our block has seen its fair share of 'drama'. But, on this particular morning, we were shocked to find not one, but two serious acts of crime at our doorsteps.
Seemingly because I was totally indisposed in my bathroom, I arrived a few minutes later than most of my neighbors, who were piling up atthe end of their driveways in their pajamas. At first, the house fire was not evident; no 'burning' smell in the air, or gusts of black smoke. As I got closer to the house which was maybe four to five houses down from our house, I could see the smoke. Isolated smoke, but smoke. This is the scene of the incident:
(c) Ranya E. Snowden
(If you can see it clearly) The cause of the fire was a couch. Yes, a couch. But, if you are feeling the same as I do, you ask: "How can a couch start a fire?" But wait, there's an even better question to ask. How is it that a couch can start a fire, and nobody's home? How's that for a headwringer!
According to neighbors and other witnesses, the new owner of the home was not inside, nor were there any other people inside when the fire started. Now, I'm wondering, as well as others if this was an insurance job or not.
Insurance jobs have been a quick and [simple] way to get cash for your home or vehicle (as far as I have heard about). People have used this scam for many years, and I am still puzzled as to why someone would destroy something for the sake of any amount of money.
And if this was the case for this house, neighbors like myself are not happy with the fact that there has never, I mean never, been anything like a burned home on our block; we take pride in our homes, landscapes/yards and surroundings. Having an abondoned, burned home will definitely give our block a sore look.
I will also add that if this was the case, that justice will be served for the criminal offenders.
And, in the matter of speaking about criminal offenders. My neighbors and I also had this scene to awake to:
(c)Ranya E. Snowden
Now, this is a brand new car purchased by an elderly neighbor of mine. She lives alone, and her home was recently burglarized; talk about hard luck. But, if you look closely at the picture, you will notice that her car has been placed on two bricks: 1. The bricks are from her yard 2. This is how the robbers left her car sitting, after taking her wheel-locked tires from her car. Tsk. Tsk. It's a shame when you are robbed in your own driveway, and using items from your own front/backyard. Times are really getting hard, People. Now, is not the time to take anything lightly.
Sure, you've lived in that same neighborhood for years. But, that doesn't shield you from outsiders coming in your neighborhood because of other neighbors, or new/incoming neighbors. You would be surprised at the number of people who just may be walking in your neighborhood, looking for trouble. Please aware, and keep an extra eye open for your surrounding neighbors. Because, we all are in this together, whether you realize this or not. Keep your car alarms activated, house alarms secured, and keep your children updated on the going-ons around the neighborhood ... and, communicate with them [children] in order to keep up with what's going on in the streets.
Stay Blessed, and Stay Safe!
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)It is a little weird that a fire would start spontaneously in a couch, Ronyae. You may be right on that one. So sad about your neighbors car also. Sheesh!Tell me about it, Lorrie. My plans for a calm morning were definitely ruined. But at least no lives were lost in either incident. Thanks for sharing your comments and concerns.
Good piece - just sorry those things had to ruin some of the peace in your neighborhood for you to be able to write it. MarijoI know Marijo (still lovin' that name!), and at times, I loathed having to report most things. But, I have learned to look at it as keeping others informed and forewarned... Thanks for reading.
Ronyae, Ins job, you are correct. I wished I could not say it. East of Connors off Jefferson, from the River to E. Forest, lines of cars on brick. The thieves run in packs of 5s, 4 for each wheel and one to jack it up (bricks, whatever). This is a nice article. I hurt also over it. As you recall, when Chrysler, GM, and Budd was in the communities, no one would stoop that low in astronomical numbers. Unless kids wanted something as a challenge. Thanks RonyaeI agree about the crime rate, Dr. It's a shame that our communities have sunk that low in values and morals; a lot of people are pointing fingers at the loss of automotive jobs...
so sad that people are so mean and not to mention they just don't care. This type of stuff been going on 4 years and I don't see them getting any better anytime soon that is why we have to stay prayful. Great article child of mine.Thanks, Mom! But like Pastor says: "It gets worse, before it gets better."Everyone meet my Mother, Daisy Snowden!
Ronyae-That is way too much drama for me! I hope things have calmed down today! Thanks for sharing!Yes, they have Laura. I only hope that it stays quiet for a very long time. But, I know that is wishful thinking (smile)
Thanks for the sharing. Hope that nothing bad will happen again in your neighbourgood.Thanks Ricky. I'm hoping and praying the same.
Great article. Well done.I should spend less time on the coach - is it safe?Thanks for a great and fun read.I know Connor. It does make you wonder (smile). [I'm picturing my couch coming to life-hilarious, but scary]
Hi Ronyae,One of the classes I teach is fire investigation and happen to be teaching one this semester. The main means of committing arson is by using an accelerant and a match. However, cigarettes cause accidental slow burning fires in homes, which I guess could have occurred. Of course, a cigarette can be made to look as if it was accidental. I hope a good fire investigator looks into the cause and if it's arson they charge the owner or whomever. As for the car...sad...in your own driveway!!!!Great subject to bring up in an article and it's cool you care.Thanks Steve! Us, as neighbors are feeling the same way about the investigation of this fire; we have NEVER had a house fire on our block. Thanks for sharing a great comment, Steve.
Ronyae,Unfortunately, what is happening in your neighborhood can happen anywhere. Luckily, you have some good neighbors. I would voice my concerns to the police. You have lived in a safe area for a long time and you want to keep it that way. Maybe you could get a patrol car to keep an eye on things. I know that may be 'dreaming' but I think you all should stand up for your rights to live in a safe community; otherwise, the more that move in, the more that will move out.Good job,NancyYes, Nancy I agree. Thanks for sharing that comment (smile). Believe it or not, it's possible to have a patrol car on our block; matter-of-fact, there are patrol cars at the end of the block, at the alley frolicking with neighbors all the time. But, when you "need" them, their patrol cars are nowhere in sight. How's that for a slap in the face by "To Protect and Serve".Thanks for reading, Nancy.
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