An inspector says homes and basements that are divided into smaller apartments can be illegal and dangerous to Bronx and city residents.

It has been a year since two firefighters jumped to their deaths from a burning Bronx building. Department of Buildings Inspector Paul Kammerer says the building?s illegal walls made it difficult for the men to escape. Kammerer says homes with illegally divided rooms are not uncommon. Officials say nearly 400 violations for illegal conversions were issued last year.

Some residents say they would rather risk their safety and health in an illegal apartment than live on the streets. Kammerer says illegal conversions are not the answer to fight homelessness. He says landlords can take steps to get any subdivisions approved by the city.