Playing with Fire: Ramapo outlines plan of action

<p>The Town of Ramapo released a lengthy response Friday, acknowledging that it has a long fight ahead to tackle serious fire code violations.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 30, 2016, 9:34 PM

Updated 3,009 days ago

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Playing with Fire: Ramapo outlines plan of action
The Town of Ramapo released a lengthy response Friday, acknowledging that it has a long fight ahead to tackle serious fire code violations.
News 12 exposed the discrepancies in its "Playing with Fire" investigation, which unveiled allegations that Ramapo's chief fire inspector Adam Peltz turned a blind eye to serious violations at several schools. Of the 55 schools visited, about 75 percent had outdated and incomplete fire safety reports and compliance records.
Per the state's request, the Ramapo report outlines some of the plans now in place that will help it become compliant.
Those plans include the hiring of an independent contractor, and former Town Chief Fire Inspector Thomas Buckley, to conduct fire safety inspections for town structures. The plans state that 19 non-public schools will be targeted for inspection in upcoming weeks.
The report also states that annual re-certification training for town inspectors has now been completed. The town says it plans to include extra training for town inspectors.
As a result of News 12's investigation, software used by the town to track inspections has been updated and improved. It can now generate lists of all outstanding inspections to help keep buildings in check.
The report does not mention the fate of Adam Peltz, who remains on desk duty.
Ramapo is required to submit a second letter to the state regarding what other actions it plans to take. It is due in less than three weeks.


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