i have to say this but if it was just smoke at the time if it had been going for 5-10 mintues before the call came in .to the fire station. It is a good chance the dog was already dead, smoke inhalation is the #1 cause of deadth in most fires. You as a human only have 5-7 mintues before it causes unconsuoness. You can give your self a mintue more by getting low on the floor with a wet cloth over your face.
Most fire stations who do safty training have a video called ,"Get out alive" It takes you in to what a real fire is like. It is dark and scaryin there, I saw it after my hubby left firefighting good thing as I would have been very terrified know it now.
Please every one try tosee this video before judging those brave guys and gals who mostly are volenteers . Also ask them about the guidelines on house fires and pet polyices .
I have a father and hubby who both were fire fighters, as much as I love my pets they are not as important as a human life .(NOT wanting to get into the human vs animal debate. MY opinion)
You say a rubber smell it was a toxic substance that burned the fumes also can cause death from that. My guess is the dog was already gone by the time they got there. I know this isn"t suger coated but I have very strong feelings on this kind of subject.