A house fire claimed the lives of four dogs and five birds, but Turlock firefighters and medics responding to the blaze were able to bring two canines back from the brink of death using cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The fire was reported at 2 p.m. Sunday at a residence in the 1000 block of Geer Road.

The firefighters responded to the scene learned all the occupants had gotten out of the home safely, but several pets were still inside.

The first firefighters to arrive found thick, heavy smoke coming from the multi-family residence and quickly went about trying to rescue the animals.

The firefighters opened the windows to help with ventilation and it assisted in locating the five birds and six dogs, some of which were in crates.

Of all the animals pulled from the home, only three dogs were showing any signs of life. Firefighters began CPR and were able to revive Crash and Brandy, but not the third dog.

Crash and Brandy were taken by animal control to an emergency veterinary clinic.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A total of three fire engines and Squad 32 responded to the fire, along with the Turlock Police Department, animal control and American Medical Response.