4 Dogs Dead, 1 Injured After Fire at New Jersey Animal Shelter

Authorities say the blaze started in the kennel area where the animals were kept

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fire broke out at the One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR) shelter in Hopatcong, New Jersey on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 4 dogs and injuring 1 other. Several other dogs remain unaccounted for after being released from their kennels in an effort to save them from the spreading flames.

Why it matters

Animal shelters play a critical role in caring for homeless and abandoned pets, and this tragic incident highlights the risks they face and the need for robust safety protocols to protect the animals in their care. The loss of life and uncertainty around the missing dogs has shaken the local community that relies on OSCAR.

The details

According to police, the fire started around 3:38 pm in the kennel area where the animals were housed. Shelter staff immediately notified the community and asked for help evacuating the dogs, with many being taken in by other local rescues. However, 4 dogs were found dead and 1 was injured and taken to the Newton Animal Hospital for treatment of burn injuries. Several dogs may have escaped into the surrounding woods during the evacuation efforts.

  • The fire was reported to authorities around 3:38 pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • As of Wednesday evening, most of the fire has been extinguished, but it "continues to flare up."

The players

One Step Closer Animal Rescue (OSCAR)

The animal shelter where the fire broke out, located in Hopatcong, New Jersey.

Hopatcong Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the fire and is leading the investigation.

Hopatcong Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and worked to extinguish the blaze at the animal shelter.

Newton Animal Hospital

The veterinary clinic that transported and treated the one injured dog from the fire.

Hudson Farm and Happy Tails Rescue

Local animal rescue organizations that took in many of the dogs evacuated from the OSCAR shelter during the fire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Hopatcong Police Department, Sussex County Prosecutor's Office, Hopatcong Fire Department, and Hopatcong Fire Marshal are continuing to investigate the cause and origin of the fire at the OSCAR animal shelter.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the vital role animal shelters play in caring for vulnerable pets, and the need for robust safety protocols to protect both the animals and staff in the event of an emergency. The community's outpouring of support to evacuate and care for the displaced dogs is a testament to the importance of these organizations.