MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Mount Olive Township Council presented a certificate of appreciation Feb. 24 to Mount Olive High School senior Matthew Reiner for his actions during a fatal animal shelter fire earlier this month in Hopatcong Borough.
Mayor Joe Nicastro recognized Reiner for his response to the Feb. 11 fire at One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR) on Stanhope-Sparta Road, where six dogs died after flames tore through the kennel area.
According to township officials, Reiner was working for a construction company next door when he smelled smoke and saw flames through nearby woods. He and his co-workers ran toward the fire and, after realizing the severity of the situation, used bolt cutters to break locks on dog runs to free animals inside.
Township officials said Reiner and others were able to free about 30 dogs before shelter staff returned and emergency crews arrived. With the fire spreading, Reiner used his work clothes to help wrap and protect some of the dogs amid the chaos, officials said.
Emergency responders and several rescue organizations responded to the scene, providing crates as dogs were secured and transported. Byram Bus Company assisted by transporting approximately 54 crated dogs to safety.
Police were dispatched at about 3:45 p.m. to the shelter, located at 155 Stanhope Road. Officers from Hopatcong and Stanhope encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions upon arrival, authorities said. Multiple fire departments, ambulance squads, animal control officers and county agencies responded.
Authorities said 37 dogs were rescued. Despite rescue efforts, six dogs died in the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
“Matthew Reiner, a senior at Mount Olive High School, showed tremendous courage on Wednesday, February 11, when a fire broke out at One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR) in Andover,” Nicastro said in a statement.
“Not many people would run toward a fire without hesitation, especially someone his age. Matthew, we are incredibly proud of the bravery and selflessness you demonstrated. You did not hesitate — you stepped into danger to save lives. Your quick thinking and actions made a real difference,” the mayor said.
OSCAR has said the fire caused catastrophic damage to its kennel area and significant smoke damage to other structures. The organization is seeking donations through a GoFundMe page to assist with rebuilding and veterinary expenses.
