Rehab Complete At Montclair Animal Shelter After Devastating Fire

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It was more than two years ago that a fire ravaged the Montclair Township Animal Shelter, forcing an evacuation of the animals and setting off a long-running recovery effort. But earlier this week, the municipally run shelter marked a triumphant landmark: rehabilitation is complete.

Township officials and staff held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday at the shelter’s 77 North Willow Street facility to welcome the public back into the building. (Learn more about the shelter here)

According to a statement from Montclair town officials:

“The April 2016 fire devastated the kennel runs and other areas of the building – we are grateful that all people and animals were evacuated safely. With diminished capacity, insurance settlements and the near constant sounds of construction, the staff and volunteers maintained their upbeat dedication with a clear goal of reestablishing our position in the community.”

The 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.

In the wake of the fire, the shelter was forced to shutter its doors due to the damage.

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

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Photo: Montclair Township

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