Firefighters respond to a garage fire at a home on Barber Lane in Martinez, Contra Costa County, California on Tuesday, January 17. Rescuers were reportedly stunned when they found only three people and as many as 70 Pomeranians and several cats needed saving.

Helmet-shot footage shows first responders had to force their way inside the house by sawing off part of the garage door. They used that cutaway to work the water hose inside and douse the violent flames. Only one of three residents had to receive medical treatment due to smoke inhalation.

Contra Costa County Fire Spokesperson Steve Hill told local media: "When we went in the house to attack the fire, firefighters started encountering more and more dogs. Ultimately they carried out dozens and dozens of dogs."

The residents were keeping the dogs at home for a breeder, it later emerged. Thankfully, with the help of animal control and local neighbors, all the animals were safely removed from the burning house.

An initial investigation had reportedly determined the fire was not suspicious in nature. But the extensive smoke and water damage had reportedly destroyed the home, making it uninhabitable.

This footage was filmed and produced 17 January 2023.

Firefighters respond to a garage fire at a home on Barber Lane in Martinez, Contra Costa County, California, United States, Tuesday (Jan. 17). Rescuers were reportedly stunned when they found only three people and as many as 70 Pomeranians and several cats needed saving.

Helmet-shot footage shows first responders had to force their way inside the house by sawing off part of the garage door. They used that cutaway to work the water hose inside and douse the violent flames. Only one of three residents had to receive medical treatment due to smoke inhalation.

Contra Costa County Fire Spokesperson Steve Hil told local media: "When we went in the house to attack the fire, firefighters started encountering more and more dogs. Ultimately they carried out dozens and dozens of dogs." The residents were keeping the dogs at home for a breeder, it later emerged. Thankfully, with the help of animal control and local neighbours, all the animals were safely removed from the burning house.

An initial investigation had reportedly determined the fire was not suspicious in nature. But the extensive smoke and water damage had reportedly destroyed the home, making it uninhabitable.