ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: The UNHCR, in collaboration with the commissioner for Afghan refugees, has started inquiry into safety of the camps after five persons, including three children, died in fires which had broken out in refugee camps set up in Balochistan and the NWFP.

Speaking at a news conference here on Thursday, UNHCR Spokesperson Melita Sunjic said three generations of a refugee named Hazrat Ali’s family were killed while sleeping on Tuesday night when a fire erupted in a tent in Lejay Karez Camp in Balochistan.

He explained that Ali’s mother Shahzado, 65, and his wife Kamargul, 25, perished in the flames. And his youngest son Muhammad Ali, 1, died later that day in a hospital.

Abdul Haddi, 10, and Saifa, 7, who had suffered from 60 per cent burns on face, chest and abdomen are said to be in critical condition. A neighbour who tried to rescue the family was also injured.

UNHCR official said the blaze was reportedly caused by a lit candle which set fire to some clothes and spread to the kerosene and ignited it.

Earlier, she said, the fire which had erupted in the Ashgaro Refugee Camp in the NWFP claimed the lives of two children. The fire had damaged 18 tents and another 12 were burnt to ashes, she said.

The Islamic Relief Agency had donated Rs 50,000 to the victims. It would also pay for the medical treatment of the children while the UNHCR was providing financial support as well as new tents, blankets and food supplies to the sufferers, the spokesperson said.