OGDENSBURG — Firefighters were able to save five pets in a fire that killed five pug dogs and left 14 people homeless Thursday afternoon at a 218 West South St. apartment complex, according to Ogdensburg Fire Department Captain and Gerald “Gerry” Mack.

The fire, believed to be accidental, started in an upstairs apartment at the former Wood’s Produce and was called in to firefighters at 2:12 p.m.

Five on-duty firefighters responded to the scene along with another 18 off-duty firefighters, said Mack, who is also a fire investigator.

“The working fire had flames visible through windows in the upstairs upon arrival,” he said.

Fire caused extensive damage to the upstairs apartment where the blaze originated and smoke and water damage to the other two apartments in the building.

Firefighters were able to save two dogs, two cats and a parakeet from the blaze.

Five dogs died in the fire.

CPR was attempted by firefighters on two of the dogs but they were unable to save their lives, Mack said.

One firefighter was treated for exhaustion and another suffered a minor burn to his ear, he said.

“It will be up to the owner and code department to see if it is a total loss,” Mack said.

The building was not insured and is owned by Mike Motavo.

No one was reportedly inside the apartment where the fire started at the time of the blaze, but Mack said he could be conducting interviews today.

Mack did not believe the fire was set intentionally.

Heuvelton Fire Department was on standby at the Ogdensburg fire station. National Grid and St. Lawrence Gas were also on scene.