Eight visitors were driven outdoors after smoke and toxic fumes from an electrical fire filled a Sandys Parish home last Tuesday night.

The visitors -- who were staying in the home while the occupants were off the Island -- said the 10.45 p.m. fire seemed to have been centred on a circuit box in a locked closet in the house on Morgan's Hill, near Fort Scaur.

Three firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the home after the fire went out on its own.

A Fire Service spokesman told The Royal Gazette that it was believed the fire was caused by an electrical fault in the disconnect switch in the circuit box.

Damage was estimated at $200.

In addition to the impromptu eviction, the fire caused a loss of power throughout the house enveloping everything in total darkness.

The eight occupants expressed their surprise and shock at the night's happenings. One woman recalled hearing a grinding noise coming from the kitchen sink. She was seconded by a gentleman who said the sound reminded him of a spoon in a garbage disposal.

The occupants then reported hearing popping sounds coming from downstairs and seeing the lights flicker on and off several times before the power went off entirely. Smoke and the acrid smell of burning plastic hung on the night air.

The occupants asked if there were regulations regarding the installation of smoke alarms in houses on the Island.

One woman said her plans for an early night had been ruined.