Firefighters: 16 dogs die in south Scottsdale house fire

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Firefighters say 16 dogs died and eight others were rescued from a fire at a south Scottsdale home on Thursday night.

According to the Scottsdale Fire Department, firefighters responded to the home near 86th Street and Thomas Road and found heavy flames and smoke coming from the back of the home.

Firefighters say there were reports of dogs inside the home and after extinguishing the fire, 16 dogs were found dead inside the home. Eight other dogs were rescued from the fire and one dog was treated at the scene and taken to a local veterinarian for treatment.

The homeowners told firefighters they are an "unofficial" rescue shelter for dogs.