Teen charged with arson in Ocean County, NJ, wildfire that scorched 15,000 acres

A teenager from Waretown has been charged with arson in connection with the massive wildfire in Ocean County that scorched 15,000 acres of land.

Ocean County, NJ, Wildfire Arrest

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said on Wednesday that 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Ocean Township/Waretown was charged with aggravated arson and arson.

Fire Timeline

At about 9:45 AM Tuesday, officials at the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower observed a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones and Bryant Roads in Ocean Township. First responders were able to locate a fire within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, which is on the east side of Jones Road.

As of Thursday morning, that blaze, which caused a large section of the Garden State Parkway to close for a time, thousands of evacuations, and the destruction of at least one business, has burned 15,000 acres in Waretown and Lacey Townships. It was last reported to be 50% contained.

Thursday Morning Update - Jones Road Wildfire

• 15,000 acres burned
• 50% contained
• 8 structures threatened
• Wells Mills Park remains closed

A Bonfire Started the Ocean County Blaze

An investigation involving numerous law enforcement agencies plotted the origin of the fire via GPS systems, and it was determined that the cause of the fire was "incendiary by an improperly extinguished bonfire."

Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished.

Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township / Waretown Police Headquarters. After being processed, he was taken to the Ocean County Jail, where he is being held pending a detention hearing.

CONTINUING COVERAGE:

• Day 3 - Jones Road Wildfire continues to burn
• NJ wildfire burns 20 square miles, destroys businesses
• Misinformation about NJ nuclear plant spreads like wildfire during disaster
• 3 weather factors that cause NJ wildfires to grow and explode
• Southern Ocean County says thank you to firefighters

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.