Firefighters save puppies from flames

FAIRBORN, Ohio (WDTN) - A fire sent one man to the hospital and heavily damaged a home early Friday morning, but firefighters were able to rescue nine puppies inside.

The man was taken to Miami Valley Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Officials say his injuries don't appear to be serious.

That man was the only person inside when the fire started around 5 a.m. on Ramona Drive. He got out and ran to a neighbor's house to have him call for help.

The man then tried to go into the flames to save some puppies inside, but the fire was too hot.

Firefighters showed up at the scene shortly after that and pulled out the puppies. A family friend is now caring for them. One of the dogs is still unaccounted for.

The flames tore through the house's front room, leaving little behind. Officials call the damage extensive.

Firefighters are still unsure what caused the fire.

Normally the man's wife and two kids also stay at the home, but fortunately they weren't there when the flames broke out.