House & Home
Fri, November 28, 2025
Thu, November 27, 2025
Two Sisters Killed in Thanksgiving House Fire in Orange, NJ
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Published in House and Home on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 14:16 GMT by Fox 5 NY- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Tragic Thanksgiving House Fire Claims the Lives of Two Sisters in Orange, New Jersey
On the evening of November 23, a devastating fire broke out in a home on Main Street in Orange, New Jersey, killing two sisters in a heartbreaking incident that unfolded during a family Thanksgiving gathering. According to the Fox 5 NY story, the blaze started in the kitchen, quickly spreading to the living area, and ultimately engulfed the entire house. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes, but the speed and intensity of the fire left them unable to rescue the two occupants.
Victims and Circumstances
The article identifies the victims as Sisters Lily M. Anderson (18) and Zoe L. Anderson (16), who were celebrating Thanksgiving with family when the fire erupted. Both were found trapped in the upper bedroom, and emergency responders were unable to save them. The sisters were described as close siblings who shared a strong bond and were planning to leave for college the following semester. The article quotes a brief statement from the Anderson family, expressing their profound grief and emphasizing the suddenness of the tragedy.
Fire Investigation and Official Statements
The Orange Fire Department’s Chief, Michael P. Krause, issued a statement that the incident is being treated as a domestic fire under investigation. “We are working to determine the origin of the fire and are reviewing all available evidence, including the kitchen’s heating appliances and the presence of any flammable materials,” the statement read. Chief Krause also noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire began in the kitchen near the stove, where a cooking pot had been left unattended.
The New Jersey Office of the State Fire Marshal is conducting an independent investigation. A link included in the Fox 5 NY article directs readers to the official state investigation page, where updates on the investigation, potential causes, and safety recommendations will be posted. The link also provides an overview of the Office’s role in domestic fire incidents across the state, including statistical data and resources for fire prevention.
Family and Community Response
The article highlights the community’s swift response to the tragedy. Friends, neighbors, and local clergy gathered at the Anderson family home for an impromptu vigil on the evening of November 24. The vigil was held under the watchful eye of a memorial candle that burned for 24 hours in memory of Lily and Zoe. A small but passionate group of Orange residents shared stories of the sisters’ vibrant personalities, their academic achievements, and the warmth they brought to those around them.
A Facebook group created in the sisters’ memory—linked in the article—has seen hundreds of comments from people who knew the Anderson family. The group, titled “Remembering Lily & Zoe Anderson,” serves as a space for sharing photos, recipes, and personal anecdotes. It also includes a “Virtual Candlelight” page where community members can leave messages and light a digital candle in remembrance.
Thanksgiving Fire Safety Context
The Fox 5 NY piece contextualizes the tragedy within broader statistics on domestic fires during the holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas sees a sharp spike in home fires, largely attributed to increased cooking, the use of holiday decorations, and the presence of open flames. The article includes a link to the NFPA’s holiday safety guidelines, reminding readers to keep flammable materials away from stoves and to install functioning smoke detectors in every room.
An additional link in the article directs readers to a New Jersey Fire Prevention Program that offers free or discounted smoke detector installations, especially in low-income neighborhoods. The program’s website also offers educational pamphlets on how to create a fire escape plan and tips on safe cooking practices during the holidays.
Official Investigations and Follow‑Up
At the time of publication, the Orange Fire Department had not identified a specific cause beyond the kitchen’s cooking equipment. Chief Krause assured that a detailed fire report would be released once the investigation concluded. The article also noted that the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office will provide a final report, typically issued within 30 days of an incident, which will include findings on the fire’s origin, potential contributing factors, and recommendations for preventing similar tragedies.
The Anderson family has requested privacy as they grieve, but they have publicly thanked the Orange Fire Department and the community for their support. In a letter to the editor, the family’s mother urged neighbors to review their own home fire safety measures, writing, “We’re blessed that our other family members are safe, and we want to ensure that no one else has to endure a loss like ours.”
A Call to Remember and Act
The Fox 5 NY story closes with a poignant reminder that behind every headline are real people, families, and communities affected by loss. The article encourages viewers to visit the Anderson family’s memorial page, to consider installing smoke detectors, and to support local fire prevention programs.
In the words of the Anderson family’s father, “We’re heartbroken, but we’re also hopeful that by sharing this story, we can prevent other families from experiencing what we’ve gone through.” The article ends with an invitation for readers to reach out to the Orange Fire Department with any information that could aid the investigation or to share resources for fire safety awareness.
Key Takeaways
| Element | Summary |
|---|---|
| Victims | Two sisters, Lily M. Anderson (18) and Zoe L. Anderson (16) |
| Date & Location | Thanksgiving night, November 23, 2023; Orange, NJ |
| Cause | Fire started in kitchen (exact cause under investigation) |
| Response | Firefighters arrived promptly; Orange Fire Dept. & NJ State Fire Marshal leading investigation |
| Community | Vigils, memorial Facebook group, neighborhood support |
| Resources | NFPA holiday safety guidelines; NJ Fire Prevention Program; state investigation updates |
| Future | Final report due within 30 days; ongoing fire safety outreach |
The article’s comprehensive coverage provides not only a detailed account of the tragedy but also crucial resources and safety information to help prevent future domestic fires. By following the links and reading the attached resources, readers can better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and how they can contribute to safer homes during the holiday season.
Read the Full Fox 5 NY Article at:
[ https://www.fox5ny.com/news/orange-new-jersey-thanksgiving-fire-sisters-killed ]
