As a wildfire in West Milford continues to burn, an animal rehabilitation refuge is working to keep, not only the animals in their care safe, but also the ones fleeing the woods ahead of the fire.

Just a few days ago, an opossum was fighting for its life after breathing in too much smoke and getting burned by the Jenning Creek Wildfire, according to wildlife officials. Now it is resting and recovering at the Last Resort Wildlife Refuge, just two miles from where the fire is still burning.

It is not the only animal.

"The first day or two, our concern was the animals feeling the original fire area. So we actually did go to the base of the mountain and put 20 big low shallow buckets of water out for animals fleeing out that way," said Nancy Warner, founder of the animal refuge.

She says because of the unseasonally warm temperatures and drought, they've been extra busy during a time that's usually slow for them. Now, add in the wildfires across the state and phone calls from concerned people about wildlife being harmed, Warner says they are swamped.

"Some of them I've had for months and months and months and hours of blood, sweat and tears into to rehabilitate them and they're close to being released and then I can't put them at risk," Warner said.

Luckily, the sanctuary hasn't had to evacuate. There is a plan in place if things do get worse to move the more than 50 animals in their care.

"We covered their enclosures with wet towels. But they're out here so they were a little further away, so they were safer. Everybody that was closer to the other side of the property that was a concern was moved indoors," said Warner.

With many animals leaving the woods because of the fire, Warner is asking people to be kind if they see animals where they shouldn't be.

"These animals are going to be on the move and to be careful while [people are] driving. If [you] see them in your yards, be kind. You know, put your animals and children inside. Obviously, don't try and interact with them. Give us a call if you think they're injured or need help,” said Warner.

Warner anticipates as firefighters continue to contain the fire, more animals will pop up needing help.