Fire crews were called to a townhouse fire in Woodstock on Tuesday that sent one man to hospital with smoke inhalation.
Police, fire and EMS responded to the home around 9:40 a.m. in the Springbank and Cree avenues area in the city's northeast end.
Fire officials say crews faced a house full of flames, but were able to contain the fire to one unit in the complex.
The Woodstock Fire Department's Captain Greg Way says, "The guys were able to get everybody out, which was great. And they were able to contain the fire to that center unit primarily. Of course, with some minor damage on the left and the right side as well."
Immediate neighbours will likely be displaced for days, possibly weeks, due to smoke and water damage repairs, but they're expected to be able to go in and retrieve personal belongings.
Neighbours tell CTV News the man taken to hospital had gone back into the home to try to rescue his dogs, one made it out, but sadly another dog and six puppies are believed to have died in the blaze.
Area resident Ken Barton says "Our smoke alarm went off, came outside and the neighbour next door was coughing and spewing because he had obviously been inhaling the smoke...He had eight dogs, he only got one out. Seven perished as far as I know and that's what he was going back in for, it was incredible."
The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen of the home.
There is no word on a damage estimate or the identity of the man being treated in hospital, though his injuries aren't believed to be serious.
