CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) -- Two firefighters were hospitalized and at least nine dogs were killed when a multialarm fire destroyed a northern New Jersey home that apparently was operating without local licenses as a pet sitting business.

 

Fire at a home in Clifton that left 9 dogs dead
Fire at a home in Clifton that left 9 dogs dead (CBS New York)
loading...

Clifton fire officials tell The Record that the fire was reported around 12:50 p.m. Tuesday.

All the residents inside the two-story home escaped safely, as did two dogs. But two more dogs and three cats were still missing Tuesday night.

The cause of three-alarm blaze has not been determined.

The injured firefighters were being treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion and were expected to recover from their injuries.

Authorities say firefighters had to deal with water pressure issues while battling the blaze and had to tap several hydrants in the area.

© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM