BUCKNER, Mo. -- One man is in critical condition after a Tuesday morning house fire at 26602 East Blue Mills Road in Buckner.

Fort Osage fire crews were called to the scene around 5:15 a.m. Tuesday. A man and woman were inside the house when the fire started and were able to get out of the house, fire crews said.

The man who escaped from the home was taken to an Independence, Mo., hospital in critical condition, suffering from smoke inhalation.

A Buckner police officer was the first responder to the fire. He said he was able to get the couple away from the home.

Fire crews are still unsure of the cause of the fire, but said it may have started near the fireplace of the home. Fire crews said there is extreme smoke damage inside the home. Two dogs that were also inside the home have not been found, fire officials said.