2 killed after fast-moving fire tears through New Jersey home on Thanksgiving

ORANGE, New Jersey (WABC) — Two people were killed after a fast-moving fire tore through a home in New Jersey on Thanksgiving.

Flames broke out around 5 p.m. at the home on Mosswood Avenue in Orange.

The fire department came within minutes, but not before two people inside the home were killed, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Claire Stevens lives a few doors down.

“My grandson was good friends with one of the young people that lived there. And she’s out of the country right now. And I’m just really concerned that maybe, you know, she doesn’t know about her relatives that live in the house that might have been affected by the fire,” Stevens said.

People could be seen keeping warm inside a NJ Transit bus. The American Red Cross says its volunteers provided a family of eight with emergency financial assistance for temporary lodging, food and other needs.

Neighbors are remembering the victims and are praying for the family.

“I just know that they kept their yard really nice and whenever I would go for a walk or run, they were super friendly,” said Matthew Mehr.

Authorities have not released the identity of the victims.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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