All 33 children residing at the Hope Children’s Home on the East Coast of Demerara were safely evacuated on Friday after a fire broke out at the facility, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has confirmed.

According to the ministry, the fire started in the boys’ dormitory while the children were attending Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the church building located on the compound.

The children were immediately evacuated and assembled in a safe area on the dam as emergency procedures were activated.

The ministry confirmed that all 33 children were accounted for, including 15 girls and 18 boys, and that no injuries were reported.

In response to the incident, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, has begun relocating the children to state care facilities where they will continue to receive care, protection and other essential support.

“The safety and well-being of the children remain the Ministry’s highest priority,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that it will continue to closely monitor the situation as the response efforts continue.