14 people, including four children, died in house fires since January

October 21, 2026

Written byIRIEFM NEWS

Written by: Shanice Gibbs and Georgetta Williams 

14 people, including four children, have died in house fires across Jamaica since the start of the year, prompting renewed concern about fire safety.

The figures were disclosed by Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford at the launch of the Fire and Life Safety Awareness Week, in Kingston this morning.

The week will be observed under the theme: “Safe Homes, Safe Communities – the Power of Prevention”.

The Commissioner expressed deep concern over the deaths.

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He said the deaths underscore the devastating human cost of residential fires and the importance of fire prevention and safety practices.

Commissioner Beckford also noted that the ongoing hot conditions have contributed to electrical fires.

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