A 17-year-old male, whose identity is withheld due to his age, has been charged with aggravated arson and hindering apprehension. Authorities allege that he assisted 19-year-old Joseph Kling in igniting wooden pallets, which sparked the wildfire, and later misled investigators about the cause. Kling, arrested previously, now faces an additional charge.
The fire began on April 22 in Barnegat Township and rapidly spread, burning over 15,000 acres across Waretown and Lacey Township. It forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents and disrupted power for 25,000 people. The blaze destroyed a commercial building and several outbuildings, threatening more than 1,300 structures. Air quality advisories were issued for New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and surrounding counties due to smoke from the fire.
Investigators traced the fire’s origin to an improperly extinguished bonfire made of wooden pallets. The Pine Barrens, where the fire occurred, are particularly vulnerable during forest fire season due to their sandy soil, developing foliage, and strong winds. Firefighters continue to battle challenging conditions exacerbated by low humidity and the effects of a prolonged drought.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has contained 75% of the fire as of the latest reports. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded New Jersey a Fire Management Assistance Grant to support response and recovery efforts.
The arrests highlight the importance of responsible fire safety practices, especially in vulnerable areas like the Pine Barrens. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to fire safety guidelines to prevent future incidents.
Second Teen Arrested in Connection with New Jersey Wildfire
Second teen accused of sparking NJ wildfire that has torched 15K acres in Pine Barrens
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