LEBANON COUNTY, PA – A devastating house fire in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, has resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, including that of a 4-year-old girl, Veyda Pereyra, whose mother, an emergency responder, was among the first to arrive at the scene. The fire, which broke out during a birthday gathering, has left the community in deep shock and mourning.

The five victims have been identified as 1-year-old Amarri Morris-Morales, 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, 17-year-old Jaeden Nunez, 23-year-old Tailing Nunez, and 73-year-old Josefina Estevez. Tailing Nunez, who was in critical condition following the fire, succumbed to her injuries after being hospitalized for two days. The tragic loss of such young lives has particularly shaken the community, as the incident involved a mother, a child, and several loved ones who were simply gathered for a celebration.

The Devastating Fire

The fire occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2025, when emergency crews were called to the scene shortly before 9 a.m. to respond to reports of a blaze at a home in Lebanon County. First Aid & Safety Patrol ambulance units were among the first responders on-site. It was here that EMT Azelyn Arenas, a member of the emergency response team, discovered that her own daughter, 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, was among the victims of the fire.

Gregg Smith, executive director of First Aid & Safety Patrol, shared his sorrow over the incident. “This is horrible. This is our worst nightmare,” Smith said, as he described the unimaginable difficulty of an emergency worker arriving at a scene only to find their own child among the deceased. “Words can’t describe the nightmare scenario this truly is.”

At the time of the fire, Veyda was in the care of her grandmother, 73-year-old Josefina Estevez, who also perished in the blaze. The house, which had ten people inside at the time of the fire, was hosting a birthday gathering. Along with Veyda, Estevez, and Tailing Nunez, the other victims were 1-year-old Amarri Morris-Morales and 17-year-old Jaeden Nunez.

Details of the Fire and Investigation

Fire investigators determined that the blaze originated from an electrical outlet in the living room on the first floor of the home, and it has been officially ruled as an accidental fire. The fire claimed the lives of those who were trapped inside, leaving the community devastated by the magnitude of the loss.

In addition to the fatalities, two individuals remain hospitalized, one of whom is in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the community has the resources they need to cope with this unimaginable tragedy.

Community Support and Fundraising

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist the families of the victims, particularly Veyda’s family. The campaign has already raised close to $50,000, with heartfelt messages from those who knew the victims and those who have been moved by the story. On the fundraising page, the family described Veyda as “the light in every room” and expressed the deep, irreplaceable loss they are facing.

“Veyda was our baby, our only child, and we’ll forever miss her,” the family shared. “Her laughter and her energy filled our lives, and we’re devastated by this loss.”

Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello also made an announcement that Steve Thompson, owner of Thompson Funeral Home, had generously offered to cover the funeral expenses for the families, alleviating at least one burden in the aftermath of this tragedy.

The Heartbreaking Discovery and Calls for Support

Gregg Smith, while acknowledging the overwhelming pain, called for continued community outreach. “They’re fiercely private and humble, and they don’t want charity,” Smith remarked. “But I want to see this blow up. I want to see hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for these families.”

The community of Lebanon County is reeling, especially considering the unique and heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the fire. Azelyn Arenas, who arrived to help others in a time of crisis, was forced to confront an unimaginable personal loss: the death of her only child while trying to save others.

“This is a nightmare no one could prepare for,” said a local responder. “It’s one thing to respond to emergencies, but to lose your own child while trying to save others? That’s something we can’t even begin to comprehend.”

Community Tributes and Memorials

Tributes have poured in from across the Lebanon County area, as residents, neighbors, and family members mourn the loss of five lives in this devastating fire. Flowers, stuffed animals, and candles have been placed near the burned-out house, with a growing memorial for the victims. A vigil is being planned to honor the lives lost and to provide support to the families.

“We want to be there for them,” said a neighbor. “They are part of our family, and we’re not going to let them go through this alone.”

The Importance of Fire Safety and Mental Health Support

In the wake of the fire, local fire departments and mental health organizations have emphasized the importance of fire safety, particularly the need for regular checks of electrical outlets and home safety systems. The community has also highlighted the need for continued mental health support for those affected by such a devastating tragedy.

Local mental health professionals are working with the community to provide grief counseling and to remind residents of the importance of checking in with one another, particularly in times of loss.

Conclusion: A Community United in Grief

The tragic fire in Lebanon County has left the community in mourning after the loss of five people, including 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, 73-year-old Josefina Estevez, 1-year-old Amarri Morris-Morales, 17-year-old Jaeden Nunez, and 23-year-old Tailing Nunez. The unimaginable discovery made by EMT Azelyn Arenas has left a lasting emotional impact on everyone involved.

As the community comes together in the aftermath of the tragedy, support for the grieving families continues to grow, with local residents and organizations showing tremendous solidarity. The GoFundMe page remains active, and a vigil is planned in honor of the victims.

How You Can Help

For those looking to assist the families of the victims, donations can be made through the GoFundMe page. Additionally, the community continues to encourage others to support the families with their condolences, prayers, and resources.

As the Lebanon County community mourns the loss of these young lives and beloved family members, the focus remains on ensuring that the families receive the support and love they need during this difficult time. This tragedy serves as a reminder of how precious life is and the importance of supporting one another in times of crisis.