Missouri ? An operator of group homes for the mentally ill, including one where a fire killed 10 people last month, had been repeatedly cited for fire safety violations and fights among residents over the past decade, state inspection records show.

The records, obtained by The Associated Press, show that facilities owned by Robert and LaVerne DuPont were cited for broken fire alarm systems and exit signs, missing emergency call systems for some residents and failure to conduct a fire inspection.

One inspection report showed that the Anderson Guest House, which burned Nov. 27, was cited in January 2000 for failing to have done an annual fire inspection. It subsequently passed a fire inspection. Investigators have said the fire may have been sparked by improper electrical wiring in the attic.

At the Anderson Guest House, an inspection report said at least one apparent suicide attempt by a resident had not been reported to doctors.

Inspectors also found cases of abuse at the facilities. An inspection report said an employee at the Anderson home was fired last year after leaving work to buy alcohol, returning to drink it with some residents and then getting into a fight with them.