In a traumatic event that forced thousands from their homes and destroyed property, a teen has been arrested for sparking a massive 15,000-acre wildfire in New Jersey.
19-year-old Joseph Kling now sits in jail facing serious arson charges after starting the blaze with wooden pallets in a protected wilderness area.
Himself a resident of Ocean Township, New Jersey, Kling was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and arson for starting the massive wildfire that has scorched roughly 15,000 acres of the protected New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Law enforcement officials confirmed Kling is being held at the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing after his irresponsible actions impacted thousands of residents.
According to investigators, the 19-year-old sparked the blaze by building a bonfire with wooden pallets in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area.
The fire quickly raged out of control in the drought-prone region, which features quick-draining sandy soil and was experiencing low humidity and winds.
These conditions were perfect for the wildfire to spread quickly through the federally protected reserve.
The wildfire’s impact has been extensive, destroying at least one commercial building while threatening 12 other structures.
At its peak, the blaze forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents from Ocean and Lacey Townships.
BREAKING: A 19-year-old has been charged with aggravated arson for igniting a wildfire that has now engulfed 13,000 acres in New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/pcfcAnFbeI
— The General (@GeneralMCNews) April 24, 2025
While evacuation orders have since been lifted and no injuries have been reported, the community continues to deal with the aftermath of the teen’s reckless behavior.
The impact of the fire extended far beyond Ocean County. Jersey Central Power and Light Company was forced to cut power to roughly 25,000 customers for safety reasons during firefighting efforts.
“Safety is our top priority and all restoration timing will be determined by the safety of firefighters, our crews and the public. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time,” the company stated.
The smoke from the blaze was so extensive that it prompted air quality advisories as far away as New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland Counties.
As of the latest reports, the wildfire is 50% contained but could become New Jersey’s largest wildfire in 20 years.
Officials estimate the fire may not be fully extinguished until at least tomorrow, as hundreds of firefighters continue battling the blaze that was first spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower in Barnegat Township.
The Pine Barrens, where this disaster occurred, is a state and federally protected reserve specifically designated for preservation.
The area had been under severe drought conditions until recent early spring rains, making it particularly vulnerable to fire.
While the teen faces serious legal consequences for his actions, local residents are left to pick up the pieces.
They now have to deal with property damage, temporary displacements, and the devastation of a treasured natural area that will take years to recover.
