North Jersey Animal Shelter On Fire, Avoid Area, Cops Say

UPDATE: 6 Dogs Dead In North Jersey Animal Shelter Fire, Officials Say

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A structure fire has been reported at a Sussex County animal shelter, police said.

One Step Closer Animal Rescue, or OSCAR, located at 155 Stanhope Road in Andover, caught on fire Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

First responders, including police, fire, EMS, and animal control, were on the scene as of 4:50 p.m. Wednesday. The situation was deemed an active emergency by Hopatcong police.

Stanhope/Sparta Road is currently closed from Maxim Drive to the Byrum Bus Station.

"We appreciate all the assistance the public has offered, however for everyone’s safety, please wait until after all emergency situations are dealt with," police said. "O.S.C.A.R will likely need assistance in the near future, so keep an eye out for future posts."

Details are scarce, and it's not clear if any people or animals are hurt at this time.

Check back with Patch as the situation unfolds.