A 19-year-old man named Joseph Kling has been arrested on suspicion of igniting a significant wildfire in New Jersey that has already consumed at least 15,000 acres as of Thursday.
Authorities, including Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, confirmed Kling’s arrest in a statement released Thursday morning. He faces serious charges of aggravated arson and arson in connection with the wildfire, which broke out early Tuesday.
Investigators reported that the blaze began due to an incendiary incident involving an improperly extinguished bonfire. According to a criminal complaint, Kling allegedly ignited the fire with the intent to damage or destroy the forest, specifically after lighting a bonfire off Jones Road in Waretown and then abandoning it while it was still smoldering.
The wildfire, identified as the Jones Road Wildfire, was first detected at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area. Investigators traced the origin of the fire back to Kling’s residential address, indicating a strong connection to the event.
Fueled by extremely dry vegetation, strong winds, and low humidity, the fire rapidly spread through the Pine Barrens and even crossed the busy Garden State Parkway, endangering around 1,300 structures throughout the area. In response to the escalating threat, at least 5,000 people were forced to evacuate either voluntarily or by mandatory orders.
Authorities stated that further investigation showed Kling was responsible for igniting wooden pallets and failing to ensure the fire was fully extinguished before leaving the scene.
Kling was taken into custody at the Ocean Township Police Headquarters in Waretown. The charges against him were substantiated by eyewitness accounts and admissions he reportedly made during an interview at the Ocean Police Department.
As of now, the specific events that led investigators to suspect Kling have not been disclosed.
Kling is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail, where he awaits a detention hearing.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Shawn LaTourette, New Jersey’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection, commended the firefighters for their efforts in preventing what could have been a major disaster. Although a commercial building was lost and several cabins suffered damage, officials confirmed that no homes were destroyed and no injuries were reported.
The Jones Road Wildfire’s impact has been severe, but firefighters reported that it was about 50% contained as of Thursday morning. Despite containment efforts, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service warned that the fire may continue to grow due to the prevailing dry conditions, winds, and low humidity levels.
As winds shift, authorities anticipate that some of the smoke from the wildfire could reach New York City and Long Island. Consequently, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality advisory set to remain in effect until midnight.
The agency’s statement indicated that outdoor air quality levels are projected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100 for Fine Particulates, posing health risks particularly for sensitive populations.
While winds are expected to shift away from New York City and Long Island overnight, there are concerns they may reverse direction again on Friday, which could bring wildfire smoke back to the region.
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