North Jersey refuge needs supplies as wildfire continues, taking in wildlife in need of care

HEWITT, NJ (Passaic County) – The Last Resort Wildlife Refuge is running on fumes as it continues to manage the overwhelming demands of animal rescues amid ongoing wildfires.

The past few days have been “challenging, draining, and very difficult,” according to the refuge’s latest update. Staff are caring for animals suffering from minor injuries and smoke inhalation while answering an influx of hotline calls and participating in continued rescue efforts.

The Jennings Creek Wildfire in West Milford is now 50% contained, and while progress is being made, the refuge is still facing significant challenges. The smoke is intense, even indoors, and animals have been moved inside for safety. However, the refuge urgently needs additional oxygen concentrator machines to treat animals suffering from smoke inhalation, as well as more air purifiers and other supplies.

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The refuge is swamped with calls, and staff are requesting that the public only contact the hotline if there is an animal in immediate need of help. The hotline number is 973-506-4353, and the refuge emphasizes that it needs to keep the line open for emergencies. For all non-urgent matters, the refuge asks that individuals message them via social media and be patient while waiting for a response.

“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support and offers to volunteer,” the refuge stated. However, due to the critical nature of the crisis, only experienced volunteers are being accepted at this time. There will be no time to train or supervise new volunteers until the fire situation subsides. Volunteers who wish to assist after the crisis are encouraged to reach out in a couple of weeks, especially as baby season approaches. The refuge also anticipates needing handy volunteers for building projects in the winter.

In addition to volunteer support, the refuge is in urgent need of large equipment, including a horse trailer and landscaping/quad trailers for large-scale evacuations if necessary. They also require a second ATV/quad/side-by-side to help monitor the refuge’s 86-acre compound and distribute daily supplies, such as food, water, and bedding, to the animal enclosures.

The refuge continues its efforts to rescue wildlife affected by the fires and expects more animals to return to the burned zone over the weekend. Communication will be limited as the staff focuses on rescue operations.

As the refuge works to assist the animals in need, they remind the public to be kind: “These animals have lost their homes, their dens, and their food sources. They’re exhausted, suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, and confused and scared. Please put water out for them, bring pets inside, and let them rest. If you see injured wildlife, call our hotline at 973-506-4353.”