A team from the Office of the Children’s Advocate is conducting an assessment, to determine what type of support it can give to the children who survived this morning’s (Jan 16) fire at the Walker’s Place of Safety.

Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon Harrison says the children have been left traumatized by the incident.

Meantime, Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie says the fire brigade has commenced an investigation into the cause or causes of the fire, which destroyed the walker place of safety in St. Andrew this morning.

Two young female wards perished in the blaze.

The remaining 34 girls have been relocated and are receiving counselling.

In a statement today, Mr. McKenzie says he deeply regrets the deaths of the 2 girls.

Mr. McKenzie says he was advised that efforts were made by people at the place of safety to get the girls out even before the call was made to the Half-Way-Tree fire station at 12:08 am.

But the fire was so intense that no further intervention could be made.

He says fire fighters from half way tree were assisted by units and personnel from York Park, Rollington Town and Stony Hill fire stations.

The minister has commended the 29 fire fighters who ensured that the blaze did not spread to neighbouring properties.