The Department of Buildings has handed out more than 28,000 flyers in the Bronx and Queens this week as part of the city's campaign to warn about the dangers of illegally converted housing.

The leaflets focus on the fire hazards created by illegal conversions and give tips to identifying whether or not residents are living in one.

Unlawful dwellings often have faulty wiring, overused extension cords and few exits, which can lead to tragic accidents.

Illegal conversions were blamed in last weekend's fatal fire in Woodside, Queens which killed three people and injured five others.

The flyers are printed in eleven languages to reach new immigrants who often find their way into illegal, overcrowded housing.

Over the next two weeks, flyers will be distributed at subway stations and other locations in the remaining three boroughs.