The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) says it is quite concerning that four children have died in residential fires, with only 13 days gone in the new year.

Speaking with IRIE FM News this morning, JFB Commissioner Stewart Beckford described this year’s data so far as heart-rending, especially when compared to last year’s statistics.

The Brigade recorded four children dying in residential fires last year.

However, between Wednesday and Sunday, house fires claimed the lives of four children – five-year-old Kimberly Harrison of White Hall Avenue, St. Andrew and siblings, two-year-old Tavaughno, four-year-old Tashawnie and seven-year-old Tashawna Mattis in Walkerswood, St. Ann.

Commissioner Beckford said this pace of death cannot continue.

He said the JFB will ramp up its public education campaign to ensure citizens employ the appropriate measures to protect themselves and their children.