Mass Evictions At Temple Hills Condo Complex Imminent Due To Fire Code Violations: Officials

(Updated 4 p.m. Tuesday): TEMPLE HILLS, MD — Dozens of people will lose their homes after fire officials deemed a condo complex in Temple Hills unsafe and unfit for residents, requiring current tenants to pack up and leave within 24 hours.

Prince George's County Fire officials inspected the Lynnhill Condominiums on Good Hope Avenue Friday and cited "significant fire code violations" that "threaten the immediate safety of all residents." Officials said if the violations were not fixed by 8 a.m. Tuesday, the building would be deemed unsafe.

Officials returned to the complex Tuesday morning and made the decision to order all residents out of the complex by noon Wednesday after the complex failed to comply with 14 of 23 fire code violations, Chief Spokesperson Mark Brady said. Brady said among other issues, trash in vacant units and inoperable fire doors on apartment units and stairwells are critical fire safety issues.

"Management was notified of these violations multiple times, and ordered to make corrections, but failed to do so in a timely manner," Brady said in a statement.

PGFD Fire Chief Marc Bashoor held a press conference Tuesday morning, where he said social services, County agencies and the Red Cross will assist residents with relocation. If residents are not out by Wednesday at noon, the county will get a court order to have them removed. Bashoor was met by residents yelling at him and much backlash from the condo community.

>> See Related: Mass Eviction in Temple Hills to Leave Dozens Homeless

There are about 100 people currently living in 36 units at the Lynnhill condos, fire officials said. Residents are scrambling due to the quick evacuation, although the condos have been a longstanding problem, officials said. Most of the units have been abandoned since October, when utilities were shut off after management did not pay $1 million in bills, officials said.

Residents have also complained of rodents, squatters in abandoned condos and even gunshots fired in the building. Many of the residents have stopped paying rent due to the condition of the building.

Although residents have to be out of the building within 24 hours, they can leave their furniture and other belongings in their units. Residents are asked to bring along their important papers, insurance cards, cash or checkbooks, passports and other important documents, but can make arrangements to move their clothing, furniture and other personal property at a later time.

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Photo: Mark Brady/PG Fire and EMS