Orange, NJ – November 28, 2025 – In an act of unimaginable courage and love, Frantzia Fleury, 49, and Pojanee “PJ” Fleury, 42, lost their lives on Thanksgiving after running back into their burning family home to rescue their wheelchair-bound father.
The devastating fire broke out around 5 p.m. on Thursday at the two-story residence on the 600 block of Mosswood Avenue in Orange, where eight relatives had gathered for the holiday. Within minutes, the second floor was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke.
Frantzia, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and X-ray technician, and PJ, a beloved publisher and inventor, were among the first to escape with the rest of the family. But when they realized their elderly father, who suffers from dementia and cannot walk, was still trapped inside, the sisters did not hesitate.
“They went back in for Papa,” a tearful cousin told reporters outside the charred home. “They got him out, but they never made it back themselves.”
Firefighters arrived swiftly and carried the father to safety. He remains hospitalized in stable condition with smoke inhalation. Tragically, Frantzia and Pojanee were pronounced dead at the scene at 6:47 p.m., overcome by flames and toxic fumes.
Six other family members, including young children, escaped unharmed.
“These two women gave the ultimate sacrifice so their father could live,” said Orange Fire Chief Rufus Jackson. “Their bravery saved not only their dad’s life, but every soul in that house.”
Investigators believe an electrical fault sparked the blaze, which spread rapidly through the older multifamily structure. A full origin-and-cause report is pending.
The Fleury sisters were pillars of New Jersey’s Haitian-American community: Frantzia proudly served her country in uniform, while PJ inspired countless entrepreneurs with her creative spirit and inventions. On the day meant for giving thanks, they gave everything.
Rest in power, Frantzia and PJ. Your love was stronger than fire.
A GoFundMe has been established by the family to cover funeral expenses and medical care for their father. We will share the link as soon as it is verified.
Source: NBC NEW YORK
