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Orange, NJ, Mourns Sisters Lost in Thanksgiving Day Fire

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. ourns-sisters-lost-in-thanksgiving-day-fire.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 15:42 GMT by Fox 5 NY
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

ORANGE, N.J. - The city of Orange, New Jersey, is reeling after a devastating house fire on Thanksgiving Day, February 16th, 2026, claimed the lives of two sisters, Delores Smith, 72, and Tawanda Smith, 68. The fire, which erupted at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Oakwood Avenue, has prompted a joint investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the New Jersey State Fire Marshal's Office.

Firefighters responded to the scene to find the home heavily engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save the two women found inside. The loss has profoundly impacted the tight-knit community of Orange, leaving neighbors and local officials deeply saddened. Orange Mayor Sheldon Williams expressed his condolences, stating, "It's a tragedy, a terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family, their friends, and the entire community."

The investigation is currently focused on determining the cause of the fire. Authorities are meticulously examining the scene, interviewing witnesses, and speaking with family members to piece together the events leading up to the blaze. Orange Fire Chief Jason Stiltjes confirmed the comprehensive approach, stating, "We're talking to witnesses, we're talking to the family, and we'll continue to investigate the cause." While the initial focus is on identifying the origin and cause, investigators are also exploring all potential factors, including electrical malfunctions, heating system issues, and accidental or intentional ignition sources.

A Community Remembers

The Smith sisters were well-known and loved within the Oakwood Avenue neighborhood. Neighbors described them as consistently kind and generous individuals who were always willing to lend a helping hand. "They were the sweetest ladies," shared Joyce Henderson, a long-time resident. "Always smiling, always willing to help. It's just heartbreaking." This sentiment was echoed by several other neighbors, highlighting the sisters' active role in fostering a sense of community.

The tragedy underscores the importance of fire safety, particularly during the winter months when heating appliances are in frequent use. The New Jersey State Fire Marshal's Office has seen a slight uptick in residential fires over the past two years, largely attributed to older homes with outdated electrical systems and the improper use of space heaters. This incident is likely to prompt renewed calls for fire safety education and inspections, especially for vulnerable populations like senior citizens.

Red Cross Provides Aid

The American Red Cross is currently on the ground, providing immediate assistance to displaced residents and offering grief counseling and support services to the Smith family. This includes temporary housing, food, clothing, and emotional support. The Red Cross also serves as a crucial liaison between the family and other support organizations. Donations to the Red Cross specifically earmarked for the Smith family are being accepted online and at local collection points.

Broader Implications: Aging Infrastructure and Fire Risk

The fact that the fire occurred in an older home raises questions about the state of aging infrastructure in many New Jersey communities. While Orange has undertaken some revitalization efforts in recent years, a significant portion of its housing stock dates back to the early 20th century. These older homes often lack modern fire safety features such as smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and updated wiring.

Local officials are now considering whether to expand fire safety inspection programs to include more frequent checks of older homes, particularly those occupied by seniors or individuals with disabilities. This would require additional funding and personnel, but proponents argue that it is a necessary investment to prevent future tragedies. Furthermore, there's a growing discussion about providing financial assistance to homeowners to help them upgrade their homes' fire safety features.

Call for Information

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is urging anyone with information regarding the fire to come forward. Even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial to the investigation. Individuals with information are asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office at [insert phone number] or the New Jersey State Fire Marshal's Office at [insert phone number]. The community mourns the loss of Delores and Tawanda Smith, and authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind this devastating event.