A family of 13 was evacuated from their single apartment on Gibson Avenue after building inspectors, tipped off by neighbors, found several dangerous violations in their overcrowded, illegal apartment.

According to the inspectors, the home was a potential death trap, with melted wiring and a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They say exhaust from the hot water heater vented directly into the basement, where five young children and their parents were living.

"It wasn't the question if someone was going to be asphyxiated or if there was going to be a fire, it was when," says inspector Robert Dam.

The city forced everyone to move out until the home is brought up to code. The family is now staying in local hotels with help from the Red Cross.

Inspectors say the landlord was deported prior to the evacuation and will face fines if he returns to the U.S.