Man Burned, Puppies Saved in Overnight Fire

A man was burned and his four dogs were saved in an apparent overnight fire in Snellville, according to a press statement from Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services.

About 3:30 a.m., the Snellville homeowner was sleeping in his bed when he awoke to an escalating fire in his kitchen.

The man was able to escape the burning home, located at the 4000 block of Valley Brook Road, but he received moderate burns. Firefighters arrived to the home just minutes after it was reported, about 3:32 a.m.

Crews quickly got to work, searching for other victims and controlling the fire. From inside the two-story home, firefighters were able to rescue two adult dogs and two puppies, said Eric Eberly, the acting public information officer for the fire department, in a press statement.

The homeowner was treated for his burns at the scene, and he was then transported to Eastside Medical for further treatment, Eberly added.

Fire officials said the man's family -- a wife and two children -- were safe and not at home at the time of the fire.

One firefighter experienced dizziness from heat-related symptoms, but he seemed OK after some rest and fluids. 

The home had moderate damage.

Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze.

Units at the scene, included four engines, one ladder truck, two medic units, one medical supervisor, one squad unit, one air and light truck, one battalion chief and the public information officer.