Thanksgiving Tragedy: Sisters Die Saving Father in Fiery Blaze

A Thanksgiving evening in Orange, New Jersey, turned devastating when a fast-moving fire tore through a family home. Two sisters sacrificed their lives attempting to save their father, leaving a broken family and a stunned community behind.

Brave Sisters Run Into Danger

The blaze erupted around 5 p.m. on Mosswood Avenue, spreading with terrifying speed. Frantzia Fleury, 49, and Pojanee “PJ” Fleury, 42, ran straight into the flames to rescue their father, who was disabled and battling dementia.

Authorities confirmed the sisters were pronounced dead at 6:45 p.m. Their courage, however, ensured their father survived. Seven others escaped unharmed, but the family home was destroyed and declared uninhabitable.

Lives Cut Short, Legacies Remembered

Frantzia worked in the medical field, while PJ was an inventor and author. Both women had children and were known for their deep devotion to family. A cousin told CBS, “These women had big hearts. Their sacrifice is just heartbreaking.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigators are urging anyone with information to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s tip line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC.

Neighbors Witness Horror

Witnesses described the fire as rapid and relentless. Justin McDaniel, a nearby resident, said he wasn’t surprised by the sisters’ heroism but wished they had survived.

Claire Stevens recalled fear gripping the street as flames consumed the home. Residents poured into the road, consoling each other while the full extent of the tragedy became clear. One onlooker told PIX11 News, “I just came to look, and then I saw the whole fire. That’s heartbreaking—especially on Thanksgiving.”

Family Mourns Immensely

Giovanny Fleury, a cousin, shared a moving tribute on Facebook with a childhood photo of himself, Frantzia, and another sister. Though PJ wasn’t in the image, he imagined her smiling just out of frame, as she always did.

“My tears won’t stop,” Giovanny wrote. “But I find peace knowing you’re together now, side by side in the Lord’s arms. We will love you forever and always.”

Support Arrives, But Grief Remains

The local Red Cross has stepped in to help survivors, providing temporary shelter, meals, and emergency supplies. But no support can ease the pain of losing two daughters—two heroes—on a holiday meant for family and gratitude.