Two dogs are dead after a fire ripped through a home and attached animal hospital in Chester.

Fire officials say the owner of the All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Mark Lane, was inside when the fire started just before 7 a.m., and he frantically tried to rescue his four dogs. He was able to save one animal, but two died and one is missing.

According to fire officials, the owner's rescue efforts left him with serious burns and cuts. He was taken to Orange Regional Medical Center for smoke inhalation and lacerations.

Officials say the fire's cause and origin are still officially undetermined, but Dr. Lane told police and fire officials on the scene that he fell asleep while smoking.

The fire was spotted by a volunteer firefighter driving by who saw the smoke from the building.