LAKE STATION | Two Labrador retrievers died from smoke inhalation Monday after a blaze broke out when the dogs' family was not home.

The fire swept through the front living area of the house, at 2251 Warren St., fire officials said.

After firefighters left, homeowners Mark and Elizabeth Pavuk stood crying and comforting each other as their neighbors looked on helplessly.

Mark Pavuk said he and his wife were at work and his teenage daughter was at school when the fire broke out.

He said he and his family would be seeking a place to stay over the next few days while their house undergoes repairs.

"They're nice people. It's a shame," neighbor Damien Gass said.

He said his girlfriend, Natalie McColly, spotted smoke coming out of house next door about 2:30 p.m. and called 911.

Fire Chief Ronald Good said the fire apparently originated near an electrical box behind or near the family's fish tank.

An exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, he said.

He estimated the damage to the house would be approximately $35,000 to $40,000.