BY KIT SLACK
A fire broke out in a Hyattsville doctor’s office before dawn on Feb 13. NBC4 has reported that flames came through the roof starting at 3:30am, and that no one was found inside.
The interior of the office of J. Richard Lilly and Associates, at 5804 Baltimore Avenue, appears to be entirely destroyed.
At around 9:15am, firefighters were still spraying down the building, and Heather Sanchez, an employee, stood outside turning away shocked patients.
According to Sanchez, all offices of the practice are closed today, as the server was in the Hyattsville office, and employees are working to get a backup online.
“This office serves so many in the community, especially in the Hispanic community. We are working on getting this back up and running but this just happened this morning!” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said she worries about the many elderly and medicare patients who would be unable to receive care today.
Dr. Lilly opened the practice on the site in the early 80s and still practices there, along with a team of doctors, including the popular local pediatrician Dr. Shaaron Towns. Dr. Lilly has been on leave the past few months, according to Sanchez.
According to Dr. Lilly’s website, the practice continues to see patients at their second Hyattsville office (5806 Baltimore Avenue) and at their Riverdale Park and Bowie offices.
“While we are saddened about this event, our priority remains being available for our patients,” the online message read.
Last updated 10:12am 3/06/23
