Cause Of Montclair Animal Shelter Fire Still Unknown: Officials

Montclair, NJ – The cause of a devastating fire at the Montclair Animal Shelter remains unknown, authorities stated.

The April 3 blaze – which started in the rear of the facility - ripped through the shelter, causing heavy fire damage to the kennel area, extensive heat and smoke damage to the outside rear of the structure, and moderate smoke and water damage to the interior, according to Montclair fire officials.

The conflagration also rendered all the shelter’s 30 dogs and 41 cats homeless but luckily caused no major injuries to animals or humans, officials stated.

• See related article: Montclair Shelter Engulfed In Fire, Animals Safe
• See related article: Gimmie (Animal) Shelter: Montclair Community Responds To MTAS Blaze

According to a May 17 news release from the township, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“Workers continue to clear the damage while shelter staff and volunteers determine how to move forward,” town officials wrote. “Although the shelter building is currently not accessible, the Township continues to fulfill the animal control and shelter needs of the local community and those of contracted towns. Animal control officers are on duty to answer animal control and emergency calls. All animal control issues should continue to be reported to the Montclair Police Department non-emergency number: 973-744-1234. As always, emergencies should be reported through 911.”

Town officials added:

“It may be several months before staff and volunteers are permitted back in the shelter. In the meantime, the township is looking at several options that would serve as a temporary shelter and operations site.”

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Photo: Montclair Fire Department

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