Families left homeless after fire gutted their homes on Smith Lane and James Street in Downtown, Kingston, this morning (August 8), are crying out for help.

The fire occurred after 4am, leaving 23 adults and 12 children without homes.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade says investigators are still trying to ascertain the cause of the fire and the estimate of damage

Residents have lost their homes, important documents and several other belongings.

Detailing the events of the fire, a resident of Smith Lane 65-year-old Desiree Hyatt said it was absolutely traumatizing, as her epileptic daughter had four attacks during the ordeal.