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Allentown Fire Department outlines community risk reduction program and plan to identify illegal dwelling units
Summary
Fire Chief Torenzio and new Fire Marshal Keith Flood updated the West Haven council on a grant-funded community risk reduction program, staff certifications, neighborhood canvassing, and legal constraints in inspecting suspected illegal basement and attic apartments.
The Allentown Fire Department presented an update on Jan. 27 about a community risk reduction program funded by a recent grant and plans to identify and address illegal dwelling units in West Haven. Chief Torenzio said the department has used the grant to certify staff, split duties so the fire marshal focuses on inspections, and start neighborhood canvassing for hazardous illegal apartments.
Chief Torenzio said the department received the funding in November and has since certified three additional staff for fire investigations and inspections and appointed Keith Flood as fire marshal. “We are going to be looping in and attempting to get the other land use agencies involved with us, such as the billing department, health department, zoning,” Torenzio said, describing a multi-agency approach to correct hazardous conversions.
Fire marshal Flood and Captain Kathy Panza told councilors they had uncovered “at least 2 or 3” suspected illegal dwelling units in recent months, including a house that experienced a small kitchen fire and off‑campus student housing problems. Flood said that in cases discovered during medical or fire responses, the department works with building officials, planning and zoning, and the health department to document violations and pursue legal remedies.
The department emphasized legal constraints on proactive entry. Flood said the team avoids creating Fourth Amendment exposure and will seek administrative search warrants through housing court when documentation supports a violation. He said unsafe units that cannot be made habitable are vacated and, in some instances, relocation assistance becomes necessary. “We’ve probably relocated maybe a dozen times in my 15 years of doing this,” Flood said, describing past practice of short-term hotel placements and efforts to place occupants with family where feasible.
Council members asked about displacement, enforcement and timelines. Flood said relocation when necessary typically lasts “anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks,” and that continuous violations can be referred to housing court and could lead to abatement actions and liens. The department plans neighborhood canvassing, use of on‑duty staff for targeted checks, and outreach through existing community events and the city’s fair rent commission.
Council members expressed support and asked the department to provide materials for public outreach; Torenzio said a press release is “ready to go” once the program is fully staffed and operational. Councilman Donovan and several colleagues praised the program as an important safety step and encouraged continued coordination with other city agencies and community outreach.
