Sisters die trying to save father in Thanksgiving house fire in Orange, N.J.

A Thanksgiving house fire in Orange, New Jersey killed two sisters as they tried to rescue their disabled father, officials said.

Orange NJ sisters perish in fire on Thanksgiving

Authorities identified the victims as 49‑year‑old Frantzia Fleury and 42‑year‑old Pojanee “PJ” Fleury.

Officials pronounced both sisters dead shortly after 6:45 p.m. Thursday. Flames erupted around 5 p.m. at a Mosswood Avenue home. Their father, who suffers from dementia, escaped with six others. Authorities confirmed no one else in the home sustained injuries.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the home is uninhabitable.

Orange NJ Fluery Sisters Remembered

Relatives described the sisters as devoted mothers and compassionate women. Each had one child.

Sidney, a cousin, told CBS News: “Understand these two women had big hearts, they were deeply devoted to their families, and it’s just a tragedy.”

Family members said PJ Fleury was an inventor and author, while Frantzia Fleury worked in medicine.

Community and National Response

Neighbors expressed shock, praising the sisters’ bravery. Community members pledged support for surviving relatives.

Officials asked anyone with information to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 1‑877‑TIPS‑4EC or 1‑877‑847‑7432.

Investigators continue to examine the cause of the Orange fire.