A Hillcrest house that was the scene of a fire on Tuesday may have been used illegally as a rooming house, according to town officials.

Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht says the town building inspector went to the scene on West Hickory Street and said the building appeared to be in use as a rooming house. The house only has a certificate of occupancy for a single-family dwelling. There are reports that 12-15 people were living in the dwelling before the fire.

Building Department records indicate the premises had been used as a rooming house in the past.

The owner remedied the prior violation after being ordered to do so by the town. The building inspector is issuing a summons to the owner to prosecute the new violation in court.

Reports say three people were sent to the hospital as a result of the fire.