Friday, February 1, 2013 A Grand Rapids firefighter suffered second degree burns to his face and hand while fighting flames at a southeast side house.

The fire began around 2 p.m. in the 1500 block of Kendall Street, that's north of the intersection of Kalamazoo Avenue and 44th Street.

Flames were showing when firefighters arrived on the scene. A GRFD lieutenant said the blaze generated intense heat and smoke.

The injured firefighter sustained burns from a gap between his mask and helmet.

The owner was not home at the time of the fire, but two dogs died inside. The house is considered nearly a total loss.