One year after a Hellertown fire claimed the lives of two young girls, a non-profit is being set up to help others experiencing similar loss; educate others on fire safety

HELLERTOWN, Pa - On April 1, 2022 a devastating house fire claimed the lives of two sisters - 15-year-old Brianna Baer and 10-year-old Abigail Kaufman.

The fire started in a southeast first-floor bedroom located in the 600 block of Linden Avenue, according to investigators.

According to the Hellertown Borough Fire Marshal, it was determined that a 2-volt Jetson Rogue was the point of origin of the fire” while noting that “the cause of the fire remains undetermined.”

Since then, there has been a recall on Jetson Rogue 42-volt hoverboards by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

According to a news release, approximately 53,000 Jetson Rogue 42-volt self-balancing scooters/hoverboards have been recalled due to “lithium-ion battery packs…(that) can overheat, posing a fire hazard.”

Both parents were able to escape the fire, but both girls were trapped in a second-floor bedroom.

After the father made several attempts to get the girls out of the burning home, first responders entered the second-floor window and carried the girls out.

Both Brianna and Abigail were taken to St Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem campus where they tragically passed away.

The Lehigh County Coroner said that Brianna “Bri Bri” N. Baer, 15, and 10-year-old Abigail “Abbie” E. Kaufman died from the “inhalation of products of combustion and thermal injuries” caused by the fire, according to the news release. Their deaths were ruled accidental, according to the coroner’s office.

The Kaufmans also lost Peanut and Daisy (their two dogs) as well a few other family pets. 

The community’s response to the tragic loss was truly remarkable.

In the face of such a devastating event, family, neighbors, friends, and even strangers came together to support the grieving family.

The community rallied around them providing support and comfort. They also organized many local fundraisers to help the Kaufmans. 

Such a devastating loss is not something one can overcome in any amount of time, but in a remarkable display of resilience and compassion, close friends and family have come together to establish a 501c3 nonprofit organization in honor of Brianna and Abigail, called Bri and Abbie’s Angel Foundation.

 15-year-old Brianna Baer and 10-year-old Abigail Kaufman

Bri and Abbie’s Angel Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families who have been affected by tragic house fires - as well as raising awareness about fire safety and prevention in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

The Foundation’s goal is to provide financial assistance, temporary housing, everyday basic items, assistance with funeral expenses plus guidance to local grief counseling in an attempt to turn this tragedy into something positive.

Hopefully, through the combined efforts of all those involved with Bri and Abbie’s Angel Foundation, other families can be saved from having to experience the same heartbreak. 

You can check out their website here: www.baangelfoundation.org. 

Second annual memorial event:

Hellertown and other surrounding communities are preparing to come together once again to honor Brianna and Abigail.

On April 6, 2024, a second annual memorial event will occur.

This heartfelt gathering serves as a reminder of the everlasting impact these two beautiful souls had on the community.

There will be a DJ, food and beverages, a 50/50 drawing, and plenty of raffles. 

Activities for kids include rock painting, crafting tables, and yard games.

This is a free event although donations will be accepted. Everyone is welcome.

Friends, family, and community members will gather at Silver Creek A.A. 

located at 2943 Rt 212, Springtown, PA 18081

The event will take place from 1:11 pm - 4:44 pm.

The above times are correct (for those curious why those times were chosen, a Foundation member will be happy to explain on the day of the event).

All proceeds collected will go directly to Bri and Abbie's Angel Foundation to help other families who have suffered similar loss.

Click here for event information.

If you are not able to make the event, but would still like to donate, you can donate directly through their website by clicking on the following link: https://tinyurl.com/4w3d4z79