WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – A couple has been taken into custody following a house fire that claimed the lives of two children in a Whitehouse community in Westmoreland, Thursday morning.

The woman in custody is the mother of one of the boys and the grandmother of the other. Her common-law spouse is also in custody.

The children have been identified as eight-year-old Jamar Reid and his nephew, Romaine Powell, who is also eight years old.

They were students at the New Hope Primary and Junior High in Whitehouse, in the parish.

The children were reportedly in the elderly woman’s care at the time of the fire. Her daughter who is the mother of Romaine currently resides in another parish.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the cause of the fire was as a result of an unattended candle.

The Savanna-la-Mar Fire Department reportedly received the call at 12:19 am, and about 1:10 am the remains of one of the children were found on a burnt-out bed.The charred remains of the other were found about 15 minutes later.

The board and zinc structure was destroyed.

Commanding officer for the Westmoreland Police Division Othneil Dobson is reminding parents and guardians of their responsibility, in regards to the safety of children.

“We are taking this medium to urge parents and guardians to ensure the safety of your children. Don’t leave them in houses with candles or illegal electricity connections that may cause fire,” stated Superintendent Dobson.

The preliminary estimate of the damage has been set at $2.5 million.