A derelict house was seriously damaged by a fire last night.

No one was injured in the blaze at the property, on Talavera Lane, near Boundary Lane, St George’s.

A dog was chained up at the house but was able to avoid the flames thanks to the length of its tether, a neighbour said.

Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service received a call about the blaze at 8.30pm, said spokeswoman Sergeant Russann Francis.

On arrival, firefighters found the building was engulfed in flames.

Sgt Francis said the dog had been removed by the time they arrived at the scene.

She explained that three firefighters using breathing apparatus entered the building to extinguish the blaze.

A neighbour, Brian Robinson, said he was “one of the people” who had called the service.

“The entire house was filled with flames,” he said. “She was loud — there was a lot of popping and crackling. There was a lot of flames and smoke.”

He said he was not worried about his own safety but had been concerned in case there had been anyone in the house.

“The flames were so big and furious,” he added.

The fire had been put out by 10pm and fire crews were leaving the scene.

Sgt Francis said two vehicles and seven personnel had responded. An ambulance was also on the scene.

The fire vehicles and five of the firefighters are based at the service’s Clearwater Station. Two volunteer firefighters also responded.

Sgt Francis said: “We responded to a fire at a residence where there were flames emitting through the windows and doors of the split-level building.

“Three firefighters fully dressed in breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the blaze.

“The residence, which appears to be preparing for renovations, sustained minor structural damage with extensive heat and smoke damage throughout.

“The area will be cordoned off to keep surrounding residents at a safe distance away from the property until the building has been evaluated for the presence of asbestos.

“There were no occupants on our arrival.”

The cause of the fire is being investigated.