Report: NYCHA faked inspections

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Some of New York City public housing workers in charge of maintenance are being accused of ignoring key safety checks and then covering up their neglect, according to a report by the Department of Investigation. The consequences of this are no clearer than at the Butler Houses.

In April, a fire in apartment 3F at the Butler Houses in the Bronx killed two young children and raised questions about safety concerns inside NYCHA buildings.

The Department of Investigation report reveals NYCHA maintenance had been in the apartment just hours before the fire and falsely reported both smoke alarms were working when in fact they were not.

"When city workers falsify forms and falsify inspections there is no way for the city to protect all of New Yorkers," DOI Commissioner Mark Peters said.

The report also suggests the safety lapse at the Butler Houses wasn't an isolated incident.

NYCHA responded to the report. "Safety is our top priority... it is simply unacceptable to put NYCHA residents at risk because of neglect or indifference," spokesperson Jean Weinberg said in a statement.

The agency added the disciplinary actions will be taken against employees mentioned in the report and that new training protocols will be launched.

NYCHA requires maintenance workers to document the condition of what they consider to be six critical apartment safety issues each time they enter a unit, including checking for a fire safety procedure sticker, working smoke detector, window guards, and other features.