Small fire leads to several code violations
SPRING VALLEY – The owners of a Spring Valley house that was heavily damaged by fire this week have been hit with seven violations of the Rockland County Sanitary Code.
The Department of Health inspected the home at 42 Prospect street hours after the Tuesday morning blaze that left six people homeless. Health department inspectors posted notice that the residence was unsafe and could not be occupied. Inspectors found the three-story building had been illegally subdivided into four apartments. The owners apparently lived in one and rented the other three.
The attic apartment, where the fire is believed to have started, did not have the required second exit or a smoke or carbon monoxide detector.
A basement apartment had an air conditioning unit blocking a window, which also violates the sanitary code because it prevents an occupant from getting out in an emergency.
The owners, Jean and Marie Chatelain, were also cited for failure to register with the Rockland County Rental Registry, among other charges.
“We were very lucky that no one was hurt in this home, which had many safety issues, including a lack of smoke detectors,” said County Executive Edwin Day.
The Spring Valley Fire Department quickly extinguished the early morning fire.
