ROCHESTER, NY - Rochester firefighters rescued several dogs and other pets that were trapped when a car caught fire in a driveway before severely damaging two nearby houses on June 29th.

Initially, crews were called to a residential address on Fourth Street over reports of gunfire, but when firefighters arrived at the scene they found a burning car in a driveway and saw flames spreading to two nearby homes. Officials believe the car's exploding tires might have created a similar sound to gunshots.

The fire tore through the attic of a two-family house. Firefighters tried to put out the flames with an interior attack, but dangerous conditions forced them to pull back, according to Deputy Chief Jim Ryan. The amount of damage the house sustained will likely force it to be demolished, he added.

Flames caused severe damage to the outside of a neighboring home, which was deemed too unsafe to stay in. The car where the fire originated, which was parked between the two homes, also sustained serious damage.

Two firefighters were injured battling the fire. They were taken to the hospital with injuries that weren't considered life-threatening before being released.

Four adults and five children who were home at the time of the fire were able to safely escape the flames. Crews were also able to save a handful of pets.