A tragic fire that erupted last week at an East Hills apartment complex has prompted Pittsburgh fire investigators to call for public assistance. According to CBS News Pittsburgh, they are seeking information, photos, or videos that could shed light on the disaster that resulted in the death of two-year-old Praise Lemons. Despite the efforts of firefighters who broke through the building's windows to rescue two children, Praise succumbed to her injuries. At the same time, her sister Paradise and their mother Natisha sustained burns and smoke inhalation.
The investigations extend beyond the immediate circumstances of the fire as concerns regarding the Maple Ridge Apartments' living conditions mount—tenants have decried the situation as "deplorable," with complaints including lack of heat, mold, and pest infestations, and Council member Khari Mosley stressed in an interview reported by WPXI, "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."
The inferno displaced 11 families who are currently lodging in a hotel outside the city. Community efforts are underway to provide necessary donations such as clothing and household items for the affected units—with drop-off sites including the community room at Maple Ridge Apartments and local restaurants aligning to support hot meals for those affected and people seeking to contribute after normal hours can contact Harry Watts at REACH or Dr. Staci Ford for further instructions.
