A new rescue dog saved a man’s life in a Whakatāne house fire on Friday, reports the Bay of Plenty Times.

Firefighters from around the Bay of Plenty were called to a house “well ablaze” on Bridge Street about 6.30am.

Cusack Partners is the property management company for the house.

General manager Christina Eichler said an occupant was woken during the fire by his dog, which he had rescued from the pound three days ago.

“He saved the dog, and then the dog saved him.”

Cusack Partners shared a Facebook post asking for clothing donations.

Eichler said the tenants had “lost every single belonging”.

“The house was completely gutted.”

She said they would welcome donations of any kind.

“We are working actively today on getting them a home.”

The drop-off point for donations was the Cusack Partners office at 71 The Strand.

– Bay of Plenty Times