Cause Of Montclair Animal Shelter Fire Is ‘Undetermined,’ Officials Say

MONTCLAIR, NJ — If you’ve been waiting to learn the cause of the fire that gutted the Montclair Animal Shelter in April, the news may be anti-climactic.

On Wednesday, Montclair fire officials issued a statement about the cause of the blaze, which razed the shelter’s location at 77 North Willow Street but which reportedly didn’t injure any humans or animals.

• See related article: Montclair Shelter Engulfed In Fire, Animals Safe

“After following up on all possible causes for the fire that occurred on April 3, we find that the cause will be undetermined,” Montclair Fire Department official John Thomas said. “All of the hypotheses have been examined and reviewed by the Montclair Fire Investigation Unit and the Travelers Insurance Company Fire Investigators. Due to the amount of damage the area sustained and the extreme wind on the day of the incident, the investigation of cause was hindered. Thereby, it is determined at this time that the cause is ‘undetermined’ unless further evidence arises.”

According to previous statements from Montclair fire officials, the blaze started in the rear of the facility and 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.

The incident inspired an outpouring of support from the local community.

• See related article: Gimmie (Animal) Shelter: Montclair Community Responds To MTAS Blaze

Photo: Montclair Township

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