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 the 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.