Resident, dozens of animals rescued after early morning fire

Fire crews rescued one man and several animals after a home caught fire in South Bend Tuesday morning.

It happened just before 7 a.m. in the 600 block of South 24th Street. 

Officials at the scene say crews had to force their way into the home.

The man they were trying to rescue was attempting to get all of the animals out of the home. He was treated for minor injuries, but is expected to be okay.

A relative of the homeowner says there were nearly 70 animals inside the home. Dogs, cats and rabbits were seen being removed.

Nine of the animals died. The rest have been taken to a local shelter.