AUGUSTA (WJBF) – Two girls are dead after a house fire in Augusta, Georgia.

They have been identified as 10-year-old Taysha Clifford and 7-year-old Abrey Williams.

Around 1:00 am on Thursday, firefighters responded to a home on the 1900 block of Moore Road off of Mike Padgett Highway. When they arrived, crews saw flames through the front door and windows.

After the flames were quickly put out, firefighters found Taysha and Abrey in a bedroom. We’re told the mother and her 13-year-old daughter were able to escape without being injured.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A spokesperson for the Augusta Fire Department released this statement:

We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family. Such tragedies remind us of the importance of fire safety, especially during the winter months. We encourage everyone to take extra precautions: keep heating devices away from flammable materials, never leave candles unattended, and ensure your smoke alarms are working properly.

Augusta Fire Department

Both Taysha and Abrey were students at Richmond Hill K-8. Grief and crisis counselors will be on hand today to assist.