At least 25 pet dogs killed in Los Banos house fire

More than two dozen pet dogs were killed Wednesday in a large house fire outside Los Banos, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Merced County.

Few details were immediately available, including the cause of the fire.

One man, whose name was not available, suffered minor burn injuries but declined medical treatment, Battalion Chief Jeremy Rahn said.

Flames erupted around 2:40 p.m. at a 20776 Pioneer Road, just outside Los Banos. Firefighters tried to save numerous small pet dogs living at the home but were unsuccessful, firefighters said.

The exact number of pets killed was not immediately clear, but Rahn said it was at least 25.

About 20 firefighters responded to the scene from the county and city fire departments. Flames were extinguished around 3:45 p.m., but firefighters expected to remain at the home for at least three or four more hours mopping up hot spots.

The investigation was just getting underway.

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 4:19 PM with the headline "At least 25 pet dogs killed in Los Banos house fire."