A retired businessman killed in a fire at his Warwick home is believed to have died trying to rescue his two beloved dogs.

Gordon Howard, 67, initially made it out of the house before succumbing to smoke inhalation after returning to find the pets.

His wife Gail and daughters Jennifer, a teenager, and Claire, aged in her 20s, managed to escape after the fire broke out around 1.30 a.m yesterday.

By the time firefighters and Police arrived around 1.40 a.m, the two-storey home in Fairways Road was already engulfed in smoke and flames.

Sergeant Jay Donawa, of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, was first on the scene. He told The Royal Gazette he could already smell smoke billowing from the house as the fire crew turned onto Riddell's Bay Golf Course, where the luxury home is located on a private estate.

As he approached, he saw fire extending past the doorway. At that point, he said, "I realised it was a very serious fire."

"The main fire was actually in the living room area in the middle of the premises. Flames were flowing from that general area, however there was smoke coming from every other room in the house."

When firefighters entered the home wearing breathing apparatus, they found Mr. Howard inside, along with the two dead family dogs a Pomeranian and German Shepherd.

According to Lieutenant Wenda Roberts of the fire service: "A total of four firefighters in breathing apparatus conducted an extensive search to discover a occupant in a collapsed state. The search also revealed two household pets that had succumbed to smoke inhalation.

"The male victim, who was suffering from smoke inhalation, was quickly put into an awaiting ambulance and transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The fire was brought under complete control within 20 minutes of the initial call.

"The residential dwelling was extensively damaged throughout by heat and smoke. The cause of the fire is still unknown at present, and is in the process of being thoroughly investigated."

Asked if she could confirm reports that Mr. Howard died trying to rescue his dogs, she said: "It is believed that Mr Howard perhaps went back into the house."

Mr. Howard's teenage daughter Jennifer, who has recently battled a serious illness, was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation. She was being The victim's elder daughter, Claire, returned to the charred shell of the family home yesterday, accompanied by a friend. She declined to talk about the tragedy.

Mrs. Howard was said to be at Jennifer's bedside, and could not be reached for comment. The couple's son Paul was said to be travelling back from his home overseas last night.

Bill Thomson, a neighbour of the victim who has known him for 30 years said last night: "I am very upset. I mean it is a terrible tragedy, especially the way it is believed to have happened.

"I know he loved his dogs and that is how he died, trying to save them. It was a very tragic occurrence."