Firefighters rushed to save approximately 20 dogs after an early morning fire broke out at the Northwind Kennels on Old Post Road in Bedford.

Fire officials say a caretaker noticed smoke and flames coming from one of the dog kennel buildings just after 5:30 a.m. and called 911. Bedford Fire Chief Graham Glauber said smoke and flames were coming through the roof when they arrived.

"It was fully occupied by dogs, while the team was doing the extinguishment. We also had to manage getting the dogs out of their crates and into another building on the property," said Glauber.

The dogs were frightened, and firefighters say some were biting as they were being rescued. The thick fire gear worn by crews acted as a protective barrier.

The bitter cold temperatures as well as the location of the building up on a hill with a narrow driveway made it a difficult fire to fight. About 90 firefighters from Bedford and other departments worked the fire that took about an hour to get under control and another hour and a half to work on hot spots. Investigators say it appears the fire started in a laundry room.

The fire is under investigation by the Westchester County Cause and Origin Team. Officials say it likely was caused by a dryer machine, according to a Facebook post by the Bedford Fire Department.

That post also says they believe all animals were accounted for on scene.

Northwind Kennels has seen its share of troubles. Owner Penelope Smith-Berk who founded Rescue Right Shelter, which is housed on the property, is facing five counts of animal cruelty. She's accused of denying critical medical care to 5 Bernese mountain dogs. Despite being rushed to a veterinary hospital by investigators, all five had to be euthanized.

Smith- Berk has pleaded not guilty to the charges. An attorney for Smith-Berk told News12 that no animals were injured in this morning's fire.