THE National Fire Authority says it is working with police to determine if charges could be laid against the mother of three children who left them unattended and locked inside the family residence that was destroyed by fire on Friday night. A one-year-old died.
A statement issued by the NFA's chief executive officer John O'Connor said the negligence displayed by the mother was of serious concern.
"When the fire happened three children; a one-year-old baby girl, two-year-old baby girl and four-year-old boy were left alone in the house by their mother while she attended to other activities. The two-year-old baby girl and four-year-old boy were rescued by their neighbour and are being treated in the hospital after they sustained injuries while getting out of the burning house.
"The NFA is concerned since such action is tantamount to gross negligence and we are working with police to determine if charges can be laid in such a gross negligent case," he said.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro urged members of the public to be more vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure incidences like house fires did not occur.
"The issue of supervision must take precedence always and the person tasked with that role should be someone who will know what to do in times of an emergency and be in a position to provide safety and security to their children at all times," she said.
"This follows the death of a one-year-old in a fire yesterday (on Friday) which also resulted in two other toddlers admitted in hospital who both received burns."