In Loving Memory: Felicia Toporek & Audrey Zosowski
Late on Tuesday evening, July 29, 2025, a devastating house fire engulfed a home on Girard Avenue in Lackawanna, New York. The blaze took the lives of 28-year-old Felicia Toporek and her 4-year-old daughter, Audrey Zosowski , leaving the tranquil neighborhood stunned and grieving.
🔥 Incident Details
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Emergency responders were called to the home around 10:30 p.m. following reports of a rapidly spreading fire in a residential area.
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Once inside, firefighters found both Felicia and Audrey had succumbed to severe smoke inhalation and burn injuries, despite being rushed to separate hospitals .
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While other occupants managed to evacuate, the two victims were unfortunately unreachable by the time crews entered the burning structure.
🏘️ Community Response & Mourning
The Girard Avenue area, known for its quiet residential charm, has been shaken by the tragedy. Neighbors have expressed shock and sorrow, describing Felicia as a caring mother and Audrey as a bright, energetic child. A candlelight vigil organized by local residents reflected the depth of grief felt across the community.
Wyoming County officials have offered mental health support and crisis counseling to those affected, especially other nearby families. Media reports estimate the damage to the property at approximately $140,000.
📋 Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Girard Avenue, Lackawanna, New York |
| Date of Fire | Late evening, Tuesday, July 29, 2025 |
| Victims | Felicia Toporek (28), Audrey Zosowski (4) |
| Cause of Death | Smoke inhalation and burn injuries |
| Estimated Damage | ~$140,000 |
| Community Actions | Local candlelight vigil, counseling support |
🧩 Investigation Status
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The Lackawanna Fire Department, in coordination with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, is investigating the cause of the fire.
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While no official determination has been released yet, investigators are reviewing potential contributors such as electrical faults, heating equipment failures, or accidental ignition sources.
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Authorities have indicated it may take several weeks to receive lab results or a final determination regarding what triggered the blaze.
💔 Legacy & Reflections
Felicia and Audrey’s untimely deaths have cast a profound sense of loss over the neighborhood. Felicia is remembered as a devoted mother, and Audrey as an imaginative little girl with a playful spirit. Both leaves behind relatives, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief.
A memorial fund and community support page have been quietly established by friends to assist surviving family members with funeral expenses and future needs. Local churches are coordinating to support any families impacted by this tragedy in the coming days.
🌟 Final Thoughts
What began as an ordinary evening in a quiet street tragically ended in heartbreak. The fire that consumed the home on Girard Avenue extinguished two lives and reminded neighbors of how fragile moments can become unforgettable loss.