Dog owner is killed while running into burning house to save her six puppies from inferno after saving three but succumbing to smoke while trying to rescue rest

• Michelle Mirasol, 36, ran into her Bacolod, Philippines, home to save six puppies
• She had rescued three dogs but went back in to get the puppies trapped in cage 
• Ms Mirasol collapsed inside the building during the rescue and suffocated

A pet lover died after running inside a burning house to rescue her nine pet dogs.

Michelle Mirasol, 36, and her family fled the single-storey property when flames started in Bacolod province, the Philippines, on May 21.

She grabbed three dogs and left them in the garden. However, she then dashed back inside to try and rescue six puppies that were in a cage next to the bathroom.

Tragically, Ms Mirasol was overcome by the thick smoke and collapsed inside the building as the flames engulfed her.

Five of the puppies perished alongside Ms Mirasol but firemen were able to save one of the animals.

Five of the puppies perished alongside Ms Mirasol but firemen were able to save one of the animals.Fire marshal Publio Plotena said that Ms Mirasol died of suffocation while attempting to rescue all of her beloved pet dogs.

He said she was able to save three puppies before going back again to take the others who were still inside the cage when the fire broke out.

Plotena said that Ms Mirasol's body was found inside the bathroom covered with a wet towel she used to cover her face from the smoke.

The fire chief reminded residents that no one should be allowed to go back inside a burning building.

'Protect yourself, you only have one life,' he said.

Investigators said that Ms Mirasol was with her child and her parents inside the home when the fire started at around 6:17 a.m. They all ran outside but Ms Mirasol returned to the building for the dogs.

The fire lasted 30 minutes and caused thousands of dollars worth of damaged to the property.

Investigations showed that the fire started from the electrical wires in the ceiling of the house.

Her tragic death has touched many animal lovers in the city and has pledged help to her dogs and family.

Filipino animal welfare group, PAWSsion Project, said: 'To some, the dogs are just but properties, things. 

'To people like Michelle, they are family. And family means no one gets left behind. You will forever be remembered to be a selfless fur-mom.

'This is so so heartbreaking. Our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. But our highest respect goes out to you Michelle. You were with your furbabies till the very end.'