Investigators asking for witnesses of deadly East Hills apartment fires to submit photos, videos

PITTSBURGH — Federal and city leaders are taking a closer look into the management company that runs the Maple Ridge Apartments in East Hills following a tragic fire that claimed the life of a two-year-old girl.

On Friday night after 9 p.m., emergency and fire crews were dispatched to the Maple Ridge Apartment complex in East Hills. When responders arrived, they were told that several people were trapped inside a floor apartment unit.

Crews battled flames to rescue 2-year-old Praise Lemons, 5-year-old Paradise Lemons, and their mom Natisha. All were taken to the hospital, but two-year-old Praise died due to her injuries. Praise was the youngest of four.

>>> ‘She was a joy’ Maple Ridge tenants come together in grief after 2-year-old dies from apartment fire

The adult woman has been released from the hospital and the 6-year-old is in stable condition.

The fire forced 11 families out, and while the cause of the fire is still under investigation tenants are speaking out about what they say are, “deplorable” living conditions.

“I am quite disturbed by what I’ve heard. I understand that there are 15 units currently that don’t have heat. There are also mold issues, insects, and rodent issues in the building as well,” said Council member Khari Mosley after speaking with tenants.

Mosley, Mayor Ed Gainey, and Congress Member Summer Lee met with tenants this week and learned that several units have been without heat for over a month, given space heaters to stay warm, others have gone without water services. That along with other concerns has led to serious questions.

“These are federal taxpayer dollars subsidizing the housing for these folks, and they deserve to live with dignity, to live in safety, to live in comfort like everyone else,” Mosley said.

Mosley shared with Channel 11 News that first, he will work to handle the immediate crisis, and then collectively demand that MSS Management who oversees the property provide livable housing conditions for all tenants.

We reached out to the management company to ask about the concerns raised but did not get a response.

“First thing first we got to look out for the mother who lost a child, as well as the 11 families who have been displaced. But also we are taking seriously all the reports that we are getting,” he explained.

Currently, the displaced families are staying at a hotel outside of the city, while community members work to collect donations for those in need. An abundance of food has already been collected, but now clothing for Praise’s older siblings and mother is desperately needed.

Mosley said he will also continue to work with management to ensure that those displaced have temporary housing and are given livable accommodations once permanent units are available.

“We are going to be working on some organizing strategies to hold these folks accountable,” he said.

Items, including clothing, food, and household furniture, can be dropped off at the community room at Maple Ridge Apartments. The community room will be open during the day. For after-hours, people can contact Harry Watts with REACH at 412-287-5377, or Dr. Staci Ford at 412-277-4616. In addition to the community room donations can also be dropped off at Shuman’s Homewood, the restaurant has partnered with Councilman Mosley to provide warm meals daily to those in need.

Clothing donations needed:

Promise

Size: 32 Women’s Pants / Medium Tops

Size: 8.5 Women’s Shoes

Paradise

Size: 4T-5T Clothes

Size 13C Shoes

Pierre

Size: 16 Boys Clothes

Size: 7.5-8 Men’s Shoes

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