Firemen from the Civil Protection Department were engaged in a rescue and fire-fighting operation after a fire broke out in a private residence in Trejqet il-Bajja, St Julian's this morning.

The blaze is believed to have started from an electrical circuit-breaker that was the inner door behind the main door at 7.35 a.m.

The two elderly siblings who lived in the house went up on the roof, from where they were rescued by the firefighters.

Neither were hurt but they were given assistance for smoke inhalation. The woman was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

A dog was also rescued but three cats are still inside. Animal Welfare have arrived on site to assist in the operation.

Enemalta personnel are also on site to disconnect the circuit breaker.