Chico >> The Chico Fire Department says there has been a remarkable reduction in the number of couch fires this year following the implementation of city rules that aimed to curb the dangerous practice.

According to the department, there were more than 400 “hostile fires” in the city of Chico last year. More than half of those fires were intentionally caused, with many being couch, mattress and trash fires.

In December 2015, the City Council adopted a resolution prohibiting the outdoor storage on private property of combustible furniture that is visible from any public right-of-way.

From Jan. 1-Sept. 7, 2016, there have been 53 couch fires, according to the Fire Department. That is down from an average of 127 couch fires during the same eight-month period in 2014 and 2015.

The Fire Department credits the decrease to the new rules banning outdoor furniture.

Further, the Fire Department says it has been collaborating with Chico State University “to ensure that students are aware of the dangers of couch fires.”

Indeed, firefighters have previously said they have seen spikes in arson fires in the weeks before and after graduation ceremonies, with many couch fires occurring in the neighborhood south of Chico State’s campus.

Penalties for starting couch fires can include felony charges and sanctions by the university.

“Igniting a couch fire is not only a danger to a student’s physical health, but to his or her future as well,” according to the Fire Department. “With the cooperation among the Fire Department, Police Departments, and University, we will hold all members of the community, including students, accountable for their actions.”