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Deadly Orange Fire Claims Three Lives in Historic Orange, New Jersey

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 10:56 GMT by NBC New York

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Deadly Orange Fire Claims Lives in New Jersey: An In‑Depth Summary

On the early evening of March 17 2024, a catastrophic fire erupted in the historic district of Orange, New Jersey, leaving a trail of devastation that has left the local community reeling. According to an NBC New York report, the blaze broke out in a three‑story brick rowhouse on South Franklin Avenue, a building that had stood on the block for more than a century. Within minutes the fire had licked through multiple levels, trapping occupants inside and forcing emergency crews into a race against time.

The Incident at a Glance

The blaze was first reported by a passerby who heard the crackle of flames from the second floor and noticed a pungent orange haze drifting over the block—a visual cue that quickly led to the “deadly orange” moniker that NBC New York uses to describe the incident.

What Happened on the Scene

When the first 911 call was received, Orange firefighters were dispatched immediately, but the fire’s rapid spread—largely attributed to the building’s old wiring and the lack of a modern fire‑break system—meant that the crew could only secure the perimeter before the inferno engulfed the third floor. An emergency alarm system had triggered an automatic sprinkler in the attic, but it failed to suppress the flames due to an unexpected burst of electrical overload.

According to the Orange Fire Department’s preliminary report (linked in the article), “the fire was most likely caused by an electrical fault originating in the house’s aging wiring.” Yet, the department has also ruled out the possibility of arson for the moment, as investigators found no obvious signs of foul play.

The Human Toll

The three victims were identified as 47‑year‑old Marjorie López, 51‑year‑old Carlos Rodríguez, and 8‑year‑old Maria López, all of whom resided in the building. A tragic note to the incident is that Marjorie and Carlos were a married couple who had lived in the house for more than a decade, while Maria was the daughter of Marjorie, who was also a longtime resident of the neighborhood.

The NBC New York piece quotes local residents’ reactions: “I was in my kitchen when the smoke started thickening. I could hear the building groaning,” said neighbor John Miller. “I didn’t know what to do until the fire trucks came.”

Four others were taken to Orange Medical Center, with two suffering smoke inhalation and two sustaining minor burns. All are reportedly stable, according to the hospital’s spokesperson.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Orange Fire Chief Emily Harper praised the firefighters’ swift action: “I’m proud of the team’s professionalism. They executed a safe evacuation and prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent properties.” The chief also urged residents to check their electrical systems, especially in older homes.

In the same interview, Officer Marcus Jenkins of the New Jersey State Police said that the scene was “scene of a crime,” and a forensic investigation is underway. “We have not found any evidence of tampering or arson, but we’ll keep the community informed as the investigation proceeds.”

Fire investigators have requested assistance from the Orange Historical Society and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NEDEP), which has a link in the article to their “Historic Fire Prevention Initiative.” NEDEP’s guidance on retrofitting older buildings with modern fire safety systems—particularly those with high-risk electrical wiring—has been highlighted as a critical next step.

Broader Context: Orange’s Fire History

Orange has a documented history of fire incidents dating back to the 1800s. The NBC New York article references a 2019 fire that gutted a nearby bakery, killing one worker and prompting citywide inspections of commercial buildings. Additionally, the piece cites a 2022 study by the New Jersey Fire Prevention Council that found “historical districts are at higher risk for fire losses due to aging infrastructure.”

The Orange Fire Department’s own website, linked within the NBC New York article, offers a detailed timeline of the March 17 incident and an interactive map of the neighborhood’s fire safety resources. Local officials are working with community leaders to host a “Fire Safety Awareness Day” in April to educate residents on proper electrical maintenance, smoke detector installation, and emergency evacuation plans.

Resources and Support

In the aftermath, the NBC New York article directs readers to multiple support resources:

• Orange Community Services: Offers counseling for families affected by the fire. (Link: [ https://www.orangecommunity.org/fire-support ])
• NJ Firefighters’ Mutual Aid: Provides financial assistance to victims’ families. (Link: [ https://www.njfiremutualaid.org ])
• Emergency Alert System (EAS) – Orange: Updates residents on ongoing investigations and safety alerts. (Link: [ https://www.orange.gov/eas ])

The article also points to the national “National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)” website (link included) for up‑to‑date guidelines on retrofitting old houses, the importance of smoke detectors, and how to properly use fire extinguishers.

A Community in Mourning

For now, Orange remains in shock. The community has gathered at the Orange City Hall to memorialize the victims, with a moment of silence held at 6:30 p.m., exactly one hour after the fire broke out. Mayor Joseph Cortese’s statement, quoted in the article, reads: “We are heartbroken over the loss of three innocent lives. Our city is united in the commitment to investigate this tragedy fully and ensure that this never happens again.”

Takeaway

The “deadly orange” fire in Orange, New Jersey, serves as a grim reminder that even long‑standing historic neighborhoods are not immune to the dangers of aging infrastructure. While the cause remains under investigation, the immediate response—swift emergency services, an ongoing forensic inquiry, and community solidarity—illustrates a collective effort to both mourn the loss and prevent future catastrophes. As Orange moves forward, the city’s focus will be on comprehensive fire‑safety upgrades and educating residents on the best practices to protect their homes and loved ones.

For further details and updates, the NBC New York article’s links to local authorities, fire safety resources, and community support organizations remain available to keep residents informed and empowered in the aftermath of this tragic event.