New York Secretary of State Cesar Perales is ordering the Town of Ramapo to fix code-enforcement problems like those turned up in News 12's "Playing with Fire" investigation. It comes as state legislators and local officials call for a strong state response to those reports.

The issue came to a head this week when it was revealed that Ramapo fire inspector Adam Peltz had apparently overlooked serious violations of code in the town's private schools. Reportedly, he was placed on desk duty as an investigation is conducted into his work.

Last year, News 12 followed Rockland County Health Department inspectors using the health code to combat dangerous conditions in housing in Ramapo and Spring Valley.

State Rep. Kenneth Zebrowski says he wants to have either the state conduct inspections going forward, or authorize Rockland County to do them. He complains that the Town of Ramapo has allowed buildings to operate without enforcement, and says he has repeatedly asked state officials to intervene.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day says the county is ready to pick up the slack with fire inspectors.

The secretary of state is expected to issue his order to the Town of Ramapo on Monday. If the town fails to act, the Department of State could take away code enforcement authority from it.