Four-Year-Old Survivor of St. Andrew House Fire Now in Care of CPFSA

A four-year-old child who survived a house fire that tragically 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 family, occurred after the two children were left unsupervised.

Reports indicate that the four-year-old, who managed to escape the blaze, was playing with a lighter at the time, which is believed to have caused the fire. According to Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford, the four-year-old was able to escape the burning building but was unable to alert neighbours in time to save the one-year-old. The toddler was tragically found dead at the scene.

In response to the tragedy, CPFSA Chief Executive Officer, Laurette Adams-Thomas, said the surviving child is deeply affected by the traumatic incident and is currently receiving care and support through counselling and other therapeutic services.

“Our first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child,” Adams-Thomas said in a statement issued on Thursday. “The child is receiving care and will continue to be supported through counselling and therapeutic services to help him process this tragedy.”

The CPFSA has also extended its support to the grieving family, which lost not only their child but also their home and belongings in the fire. Adams-Thomas acknowledged the immense pain the family is enduring, noting that the loss of a child is an unimaginable heartbreak. She assured that counselling services would be available to the family through the agency’s Child and Family Support Unit, and the family had been referred to the Ministry of Justice’s Victim Services Division for additional trauma counselling.

In addition to psychological support, the CPFSA is assisting the family with replacing vital documents and items lost in the fire, such as birth certificates, school supplies, and clothing.

“This devastating incident underscores the importance of parents and guardians exercising heightened vigilance in child care,” Adams-Thomas stressed. She urged parents to never leave children unattended, especially when dangerous items like lighters and matches are within their reach. “Children are naturally curious, but that curiosity can turn deadly if proper supervision is not in place,” she added.

The CPFSA also took the opportunity to remind the public of its mission to protect Jamaica’s children and support families in need. Adams-Thomas encouraged parents who are struggling to provide adequate supervision or care to reach out to the agency for guidance and assistance.

“We urge all Jamaicans to prioritize the safety and welfare of our children,” she said. “If you are struggling or need help, we encourage you to contact the CPFSA for support. We are here to help.”

The agency further emphasized the importance of reporting any form of child abuse, reminding the public that reports can be made through the 24-hour child abuse hotline (211), via WhatsApp/text at 876-878-2882, email at report@childprotection.gov.jm, or by visiting any CPFSA parish office. Reports can also be made through the agency’s social media pages.

As the CPFSA continues to provide assistance, the community remains in shock over the tragic loss of the young life, and the fire serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that exist when children are left unsupervised in potentially hazardous environments.