A dog who alerted his blind owner of a fire in Wharton, Fayette County, was rescued by the man before firefighters arrived, state police said.

Scott Ferguson, 37, of Camp Riamo Road, and his dog were not injured in the blaze, reported at 4:22 a.m. Monday, state police Tpr. Russell Freed said.

Mr. Ferguson told police he was alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and his dog barking.

The man eased into a hallway toward his living room, but he retreated when he felt the heat from the flames.

He returned to his room, escaped out of a window in the one-story home, and called 911, Tpr. Freed said.

Mr. Ferguson then made his way back inside the house to rescue his dog.

The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated.

The Red Cross has helped make temporary living arrangements for Mr. Ferguson because his home had heavy fire, smoke and water damage, police said.