New Targeted Fire Code Enforcement Program Launched In West Haven

From the West Haven Fire Department – Allingtown

WEST HAVEN, CT — In response to the alarming rise in home fire deaths, and the heightened risks faced by residents living in unregulated basement and attic apartments, the West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown is launching a new, targeted code enforcement program. This initiative aims to enhance fire safety and protect vulnerable populations within the community.

Although the number of fire-related deaths has decreased by 43% since 1980, 2023 marks a 28% increase from the record low number of deaths recorded by NFPA in 2012 (2,855). The 2023 civilian fire death toll of 3,670 is down 3% from the 3,790 total in 2022.

Despite ongoing community risk reduction efforts, including home safety surveys, smoke alarm installations, and educational campaigns, fire fatalities continue be a fact.

A significant concern in West Haven is the prevalence of basement and attic apartments, often created without proper permits or inspections, housing hundreds of residents or may be at increased risk of fire related injuries or death.

The prevalence of unregulated conversions in one- and two-family dwellings, resulting in illegal multi-family occupancies, constitutes a significant fire safety concern. The disparity between fire code requirements for single-family and multi-family dwellings, compounded by the utilization of spaces not originally intended for habitation, substantially augments the potential for fire-related injuries or worse.

According to the US Fire Administration, during the years of 2021 to 2023, 81% of residential multiple-fatality fires occur in one- and two-family dwellings is alarming. This underscores the vulnerability of when compared to an additional fact that multifamily dwellings accounted for only 11% of these fires, and benefited from stricter fire codes and regular inspections and demonstrates the effectiveness of proactive fire safety measures. However, only if they are identified and inspected, otherwise they are an increased hazard to its residents.

"The safety of our residents is our top priority," Fire Chief Michael Terenzio said. "We recognize the critical need to address the unique fire risks associated with unregulated basement and attic apartments. This new program will allow us to proactively identify and mitigate these hazards, ensuring a safer living environment for the constituency."

With a $49,000 Community Development Block grant, the West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown is expanding its services by certifying firefighters to perform code enforcement inspections in addition to their regular fire suppression roles. The increased services provided by the Code Enforcement Specialists will focus on the target hazard of unregulated converted basement and attic apartments.

"I’m thankful for the great work of the department in always being proactive in prevention and the safety of our residents," Mayor Dorinda Borer said.

The program will utilize three recently certified firefighters who will conduct inspections in addition to their regular firefighting duties. Their activities in this area will be supervised by the department’s Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal as part of the department’s fire prevention and investigation bureau. They will identify suspected unregulated apartments through canvassing, property record research, and existing department records. Once identified, inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with applicable fire protection codes.

This program will achieve multiple objectives:

• Reduce Fire Risk: By identifying and correcting fire safety deficiencies in unregulated apartments.
• Enhance Firefighter Familiarity: Increasing firefighter awareness of these high-risk areas and increase their safety in the event they need to extinguish a fire at the location.
• Protect Vulnerable Residents: Ensuring the safety of those living in potentially hazardous conditions.

"Residents living in unregulated apartments are at a significantly higher risk in the event of a fire. By implementing this program, we are taking a proactive step to protect these vulnerable populations and prevent future tragedies."

The West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and encourages anyone with information about potentially unregulated apartments to contact the department.