LEBANON, PA – Sunday, September 28, 2025: A Devastating Fire Claims the Lives of Five, Including Paramedic Azelyn Arenas’ 4-Year-Old Daughter

A tragic incident unfolded in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, when a house fire erupted during a birthday celebration, claiming the lives of five individuals, including 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, daughter of local paramedic Azelyn Arenas. The house fire, which spread rapidly and trapped those inside, left the community in shock and mourning as emergency responders worked tirelessly to save the victims.

The fire, which occurred at a residence on a quiet street in Lebanon, quickly engulfed the first and second floors of the home, leaving little opportunity for escape. As firefighters and paramedics arrived on the scene, they discovered that the blaze had already claimed the lives of five people. Among those lost were Veyda Pereyra, who was just four years old, and her 73-year-old caregiver, Josefina Estevez. Also among the victims were 1-year-old Amarri Morris Rodriguez, 17-year-old Jaeden Nunez, and 23-year-old Tailing Nunez. The fire spread so quickly that some people inside had no chance of escaping, while others, though rescued, later succumbed to their injuries.

The Incident: A Rapidly Spreading Fire During a Birthday Celebration

The incident began just before 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, during what was meant to be a joyous occasion—a birthday party in the home where 10 people had gathered. The family and friends were celebrating, unaware that a life-threatening disaster was about to unfold.

According to authorities, the fire started on the first floor of the residence and quickly spread throughout the house. By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the entire first and second floors were engulfed in flames, leaving little time for anyone inside to escape. The rapid spread of the fire, combined with heavy smoke, made it impossible for those trapped to reach safety.

A total of 10 people were in the house when the fire broke out. Firefighters managed to rescue a number of individuals from the building, while others had already managed to escape before the arrival of emergency personnel. Tragically, despite these efforts, five lives were lost in the blaze.

The victims included:

• 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, daughter of Azelyn Arenas, a local paramedic.

• 73-year-old Josefina Estevez, Veyda’s caregiver, who had been caring for her during the party.

• 1-year-old Amarri Morris Rodriguez, who was at the party with his family.

• 17-year-old Jaeden Nunez, a teenager who had been a guest at the party.

• 23-year-old Tailing Nunez, another party guest who was tragically lost in the fire.

Azelyn Arenas: A Paramedic’s Heartbreaking Discovery

Azelyn Arenas, a paramedic with years of experience serving her community, was on duty when the call came in about the house fire. Responding to the emergency, she raced to the scene, ready to do what she had been trained to do: save lives. As she arrived at the scene with her crew, she was devastated to learn that her own 4-year-old daughter, Veyda Pereyra, was among the victims of the fire.

Arenas had been dispatched to help the victims, but the shock of discovering that her daughter was one of them is unimaginable. The heartbreak of realizing that her own child was caught in the fire while she was rushing to assist others has left her, and the entire community, deeply affected. Despite her extensive training and experience as a paramedic, nothing could prepare her for this personal tragedy.

A spokesperson for the fire department described Arenas as a dedicated professional who had always put the needs of others first, but this incident has been particularly devastating for her, as it involved the loss of her own family. “No one expects to be in a situation like that, especially not a paramedic. Azelyn’s bravery in the face of such heartbreak speaks volumes about her strength as both a mother and a paramedic.”

The Aftermath: Firefighters’ Heroic Efforts and the Loss of Life

Firefighters worked tirelessly in their efforts to rescue the individuals trapped in the burning building. Due to the severity of the fire, they had to call for assistance from surrounding towns, bringing in additional crews to help fight the flames. Despite their best efforts, the fire was so intense that the building’s structure became unstable, making it difficult for rescuers to safely enter and retrieve the victims.

Three people were rescued and rushed to the hospital for treatment, but tragically, two others, though initially rescued, were later pulled from the building and could not be revived. The fire department’s spokesperson praised the efforts of the firefighters, who worked under extreme conditions to save as many lives as possible, even though the tragic outcome for five victims could not be avoided.

“We did everything we could to save them, but the fire spread so rapidly that it was impossible to save everyone. It’s a heart-wrenching tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives.”

The Victims: Remembering Veyda Pereyra, Josefina Estevez, Amarri Morris Rodriguez, Jaeden Nunez, and Tailing Nunez

Each of the five victims will be remembered fondly by their families and communities. Veyda Pereyra, a vibrant 4-year-old, was described as an energetic and joyful child who was loved by everyone who knew her. Her loss, especially for her mother, Azelyn, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.

Josefina Estevez, Veyda’s 73-year-old caregiver, was also a beloved member of the family. Estevez had dedicated much of her life to caring for Veyda and had been providing support during the birthday celebration when the fire broke out.

Amarri Morris Rodriguez, the 1-year-old boy who lost his life in the fire, was just beginning to discover the world around him. His death has left his family devastated, as they try to come to terms with the loss of such a young life.

Jaeden Nunez, 17, was a teenager who had been invited to the party. His friends and family remember him as someone full of promise, whose life was tragically cut short in the fire. Tailing Nunez, 23, was another young life taken too soon, with family and friends mourning the loss of a young adult who had so much ahead of them.

The Community’s Response: Support and Tributes

In the wake of this devastating fire, the Lebanon community has rallied together to support the families of the victims. Local residents have expressed their sorrow and solidarity, with many offering condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. Community organizations and churches have set up support systems for the grieving families, providing financial and emotional assistance during this difficult time.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral costs and support the affected families as they cope with their loss. The outpouring of support from the community has been heartwarming, as friends, neighbors, and even strangers have come together to lend a hand in the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy.

The Cause of the Fire: Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what led to the rapid spread of the flames. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have started in the kitchen area of the house, but the exact cause has yet to be confirmed. Fire marshals are examining the scene and reviewing evidence to determine whether there were any safety violations or contributing factors.

The investigation will also focus on whether the home had adequate fire prevention measures in place, and whether any issues with the building’s structure may have contributed to the speed at which the fire spread. Firefighters are working closely with investigators to help uncover the cause and to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion: A Community Mourns the Loss of Five Lives

The fire that took place in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, on September 28, 2025, has left the community grieving the loss of five individuals, including 4-year-old Veyda Pereyra, the daughter of local paramedic Azelyn Arenas. The tragedy has shaken the hearts of many, as the lives of Veyda, her caregiver Josefina Estevez, and the other victims—Amarri Morris Rodriguez, Jaeden Nunez, and Tailing Nunez—were tragically cut short in the fire.

Azelyn Arenas, who responded to the fire in the hopes of saving lives, now faces the heartbreak of losing her daughter. The incident has highlighted the strength and resilience of the community as they come together to support the grieving families and ensure that the memories of the victims are honored.

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the community remains hopeful that the tragedy will lead to greater awareness about fire safety and the need for continued vigilance in preventing such devastating incidents. The families of the victims will forever hold their loved ones in their hearts as they navigate the difficult journey of healing after this devastating loss.