HOPATCONG BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — Six dogs died Wednesday afternoon after a fire tore through the kennel area of One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR) on Stanhope-Sparta Road, authorities said.
Police were dispatched at approximately 3:45 p.m. to the shelter, located at 155 Stanhope Road. Upon arrival, officers from the Hopatcong and Stanhope police departments encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions.
Before fire crews arrived, OSCAR staff members, employees from Lakeside Construction and nearby bystanders worked alongside police to remove animals from the building. Authorities said 37 dogs were safely rescued.
Despite the rescue efforts, six dogs perished in the fire.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including police and fire departments from surrounding municipalities, area ambulance squads, animal control officers, the Sussex County Office of Emergency Management, the Sussex County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.
OSCAR said the fire caused catastrophic damage to its kennel area, where the blaze was contained, and significant smoke damage to other structures on the property.
“Tragically, six dogs perished in the fire. We are heartbroken beyond words,” the organization said in a statement.
The rescue said all remaining dogs are accounted for and are receiving care through temporary housing, foster placements and partner rescues.
Officials asked the public not to visit the shelter property as recovery operations continue.
“Please do not come to the shelter property. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and limiting traffic in the area is critical for safety,” OSCAR said.
The organization said it does not have space to accept physical donations and asked supporters to contribute to its GoFundMe page to help cover emergency veterinary care, medical treatment and foster expenses.
“The most urgent way to help is by contributing to our GoFundMe to cover emergency veterinary care, medical treatment, and foster expenses,” the group said.
Those interested in fostering or adopting can complete an application through the organization’s website. OSCAR also provided a phone number and email address for individuals seeking to coordinate assistance.
Authorities have not released the cause of the fire.
