02/12/2026
A single image can capture a moment so devastating, no words could ever fully explain.
At approximately 3:45 PM, the Hopatcong Police Department was dispatched to a structure fire at OSCAR (One Step Closer Animal Rescue) located on Stanhope-Sparta Road in Hopatcong.
Upon arrival, officers from the Hopatcong Police Department and Stanhope Police Department encountered heavy fire and smoke conditions. Despite the intense and dangerous circumstances, responders along with courageous OSCAR staff members, employees from Lakeside Construction, and nearby bystanders acted swiftly and selflessly to rescue the majority of the animals prior to the fire department’s arrival.
Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, 37 dogs were safely rescued. Tragically, 6 dogs perished in the fire.
This was truly a coordinated team effort. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following agencies for their assistance and support during this incident:
• Stanhope Police Department
• Byram Township Police Department
• Sparta Police Department
• Netcong Police Department
• Hopatcong Fire Department
• Netcong Borough Fire Department
• Byram Township Fire Department
• Stanhope Fire Department
• Jefferson Township Fire Company
• Budd Lake Fire Department
• Roxbury Township Fire Department
• Mt. Arlington Fire Department
• Hopatcong Ambulance Squad
• Roxbury Ambulance Squad
• Stanhope Netcong American Legion Ambulance Corps
• Lakeland Emergency Squad
• Jefferson Township Rescue Squad
• Hopatcong Animal Control
• Roxbury Animal Control
• Sparta Animal Control
• Wantage Animal Control
• Atlantic Mobile Health
• Sussex County Office of Emergency Management
• Hopatcong Office of Emergency Management
• Sussex County Fire Marshal’s Office
• Hopatcong Fire Marshal
• Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office
• Lakeside Construction
• Byram Bus
• Hudson Farm
As well as the many additional agencies and individuals who answered our call for assistance and stood by in support.
One Step Closer Animal Rescue has suffered the devastating loss of their shelter and will need the community’s continued support as they care for the surviving animals during this incredibly difficult time.
Please keep the animals, rescue staff, and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.