Families in Sandys have been displaced after a fire on Long Bay Lane gutted a residential building.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service said the alarm was sounded about a fire at a private residence shortly before 2.30am.

When the first fire truck arrived at the scene less than ten minutes later, flames were leaping from the ground floor of the complex.

The spokesman added: “Two firefighters wearing self-containing breathing apparatus and carrying 1½in hose line entered the home and quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the structure.”

A man who lives across from the building woke up to three fire trucks outside the complex.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, explained: “There were about four police cars blocking the road off, and a lot of smoke.

“Fire trucks were taking turns and they were not really letting anybody close to the scene. They did not finish extinguishing it until about 5.30am.”

Firefighters remained at the scene when The Royal Gazette visited at about 3pm.

No people or animals were said to be injured in the blaze and its cause is now under investigation.

Dennis Lister, Speaker of the House of Assembly and who was the area MP for Sandys North Central, issued a statement: “We stand united in compassion and action as our community faces the devastating loss of homes in last night’s fire.

“Families have been displaced and hearts are heavy, but together, we will rise from this tragedy.”

Mr Lister, who said his own family had experienced a fire recently, thanked the BFRS for its swift response.

He said: “I completely understand the hardship and uncertainty that those impacted are feeling at this time and will be here for those who need me in any way I can be of service.”

He added: “I pledge to work with our Government to ensure affected families receive the support they need. To those impacted, you are not alone, our community stands with you.”