CLAY TWP — A man suffered burns to his face, arms and hands trying to save his dog from a house fire Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

David Desch's Rottweiler died and his ranch-style house on Kuzma Road was destroyed in the blaze.

Damage to the house and contents was estimated at $175,000. Desch had no insurance, said Lt. John Bunyan of the West Sunbury Volunteer Fire Department.

The state police fire marshal has been called in to investigate due to the extent of the damage. The fire is not believed to be suspicious.

The 36-year-old Desch, who lived alone, told fire officials that he was sleeping in a back bedroom when he was awakened by the smell of smoke.

He got up and noticed the fire coming from the living room. He made it safely out of the house but he repeatedly went back inside, calling for his dog.

“He kept going in the house to get his dog,” Bunyan said. “That's how he got burned.”

Authorities said Desch suffered second-degree burns to his face and fingers and first-degree burns to his arms and hands.

A Butler Ambulance Service crew tended to Desch but he refused to initially seek hospital treatment for his burns.

The fire had taken over the front of the house and was through the roof when fire crews got there, forcing a defensive fire fight. A tanker shuttle was used because there are no hydrants in the area. The call came in at 1:25 p.m.

Between 25 and 30 firefighters from several departments had the blaze under control in about 40 minutes. They found Desch's dog dead in the back bedroom.

Bunyan said he believes the cause of the fire was electrical and started in the living room. He noted that the homeowner told authorities that none of the outlets in that room had been working before the blaze.

Desch is living with his mother in Pittsburgh.

Assisting the West Sunbury VFD were firefighters from Unionville, Marion Township North Washington and Oneida Valley.

The Bruin Volunteer Department also provided its specially-designed rehabilitation truck to aid firefighters struggling with the warm temperatures.