Arsonists did $20,000 of damage at the new St. George's Rest Home, Works Minister David Burch revealed yesterday.

He said the blaze at the construction site damaged carpets, tiles, a ceiling fan and smoke detector.

A firecrew rushed to deal with the blaze after a 911 call at 7.22 on Monday morning but later found the sprinkler system had extinguished it.

He said: "Bermuda Fire Service investigators have estimated damage to be in the region of $20,000. Initial indications are that the fire was deliberately set.

"I am at at complete loss to explain why anyone would do such a thing but the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure it doesn't happen again."

He said the new seniors home was nearing completion but could not put a date on it.