KINGSTON, Jamaica — A four-year-old who escaped a house fire that claimed the life of a toddler on Mountain View Avenue in St Andrew last Saturday is now in the care of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

The fire, which also destroyed the home and belongings of the affected families living at the residence, occurred after the two children were left unsupervised.

It was initially reported by Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford, that the four-year-old was playing with a lighter which caused the fire.

“The four-year-old was able to make it out of the building but by the time he alerted neighbours, it was too late for them to remove the one-year-old from the burning building,” Beckford told Observer Online.

READ: Tragic fire!

In a statement on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas said the four-year-old survivor is deeply impacted by the traumatic experience.

“Our first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. He is receiving care and will continue to be supported through counselling and therapeutic services to help him process this tragedy,” Adams-Thomas said, adding that the agency has also extended support to the grieving family through counselling and other psychosocial support.

“In addition to the anguish this family may be feeling from losing all their belongings in a fire, the pain of losing a child is simply unimaginable, and we are committed to helping the family navigate this difficult time, with counselling being a critical part of that support,” she continued.

Adams-Thomas noted the agency has referred the family to the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Division (VSD) for trauma counselling and will be providing other psychosocial interventions for them through the CPFSA’s Child and Family Support Unit.

Additionally, the CPFSA is coordinating with other government agencies to assist the family in replacing essential documents and items lost in the fire such as birth certificates, school supplies, and clothing.

The agency said this devastating incident underscores the importance of parents and guardians exercising heightened vigilance in child care.

Adams-Thomas urged parents to never leave children unattended without a responsible adult and to eliminate their access to dangerous items including lighters, matches, and other potential hazards.

“Children are naturally curious, but that curiosity can turn deadly if proper supervision is not in place. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities we bear as caregivers. We must create a safe environment for our children, and ensure they are protected at all times,” she said.

“We urge all Jamaicans to prioritize the safety and welfare of our children. Parents and guardians we encourage you to seek help if you are struggling to provide adequate supervision or care. Reach out to the CPFSA to see how we may be able to guide and assist you as we remain steadfast in our mission to protect Jamaica’s children and support our families in need,” she continued.

Adams-Thomas is also reminding and encouraging individuals to report any and all forms of child abuse using the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline 211. Child abuse reports may also be made through WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, email report@childprotection.gov.jm or by visiting any CPFSA parish office, or through our social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) @cpfsajm.