New Jersey Teen Charged With Arson in 15,000-Acre Wildfire That Prompted Mass Evacuations

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The Jones Road wildfire burns through Ocean and Lacey townships in New Jersey. (NJ Department of Environmental Protection)

OCEAN COUNTY, N.J. (WE)— Authorities arrested a 19-year-old man from Ocean Township and charged him with aggravated arson in connection with a massive wildfire that scorched roughly 15,000 acres across Ocean and Lacey Townships, New Jersey. Officials say the blaze, known as the Jones Road Wildfire, forced thousands of residents to evacuate earlier this week and destroyed one commercial building.

Police took the suspect, Joseph Kling, into custody Wednesday evening and placed him in the Ocean County Jail, where he remains while awaiting a detention hearing. Investigators allege Kling started the fire by igniting wooden pallets and walking away without fully extinguishing them—an act that may have triggered the state’s largest wildfire in 20 years.

“This was an avoidable and dangerous act that put lives and property at great risk,” said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection. “We are grateful no lives were lost, but the impact to our public lands and the surrounding environment is profound.”

Timeline: From Smoke to Wildfire

The fire ignited Tuesday morning in a remote area near Jones and Bryant Roads, where observers at the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower first spotted smoke. Firefighters responded shortly afterward as thick smoke plumes quickly spread across the region.

By Wednesday, the fire had expanded rapidly, driven by dry brush and gusty winds. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that the blaze had scorched approximately 15,000 acres by Thursday morning and had reached 50% containment.

According to officials, the fire destroyed one commercial building and threatened at least eight other structures, though it did not damage any homes.

“Response teams acted swiftly to protect life and property, especially given the rapid growth of the fire,” said a spokesperson for the Forest Fire Service. “Crews used a combination of aerial support and ground teams who worked tirelessly throughout Tuesday and Wednesday.”

On Wednesday, Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency to expedite resources and streamline the emergency response. Her order enabled state and local agencies to coordinate more efficiently and deploy additional personnel and equipment to the affected area.

Arrest and Investigation

Authorities said Joseph Kling allegedly set a bonfire using wooden pallets in a wooded area and walked away without making sure the fire was extinguished. That unattended fire later sparked the massive blaze. Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office tracked the fire’s exact origin near Jones and Bryant Roads using GPS data and burn pattern analysis.

Law enforcement officers arrested Kling after matching him to surveillance footage and digital tracking records, according to Ocean County prosecutors. So far, officials haven’t disclosed a motive.

Kling is scheduled to appear in court later this week for a detention hearing. Prosecutors plan to argue that he poses a public safety threat and should remain in custody.

“This is a serious offense with serious consequences,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. “Arson endangers not just property but the lives of first responders and civilians alike. We will pursue this case with the utmost gravity.”

Evacuations and Community Impact

During the height of the blaze, about 5,000 residents in Ocean Township and Lacey Township evacuated their homes. Local schools closed, and emergency crews shut down several roads, including parts of Route 539, to access the fire zone. By Wednesday night, officials lifted evacuation orders as crews gained control over the flames.

Officials reported no injuries or fatalities. Fire officials credited the swift evacuations and seamless coordination between local and state agencies for the zero-casualty outcome.

The fire scorched ecologically sensitive areas, including parts of the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Forked River Mountains—a wilderness preserve known for its rare habitats and biodiversity.

“Some of these areas may take decades to fully recover,” said Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “This incident is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our ecosystems are to human carelessness.”

Emergency Response and Ongoing Efforts

Firefighting crews from across New Jersey joined forces, including support from the New Jersey State Police and the Office of Emergency Management, to battle the flames and assist with evacuations. Helicopters dropped water on hot spots throughout Wednesday, while bulldozers carved out containment lines.

Firefighters continue to monitor for flare-ups and smoldering embers. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service reported that cooler temperatures and light winds are helping with containment.

Still, fire officials warned that risks remain. “The fire is still active, and we’re not out of the woods yet,” one Forest Fire Service official said during Thursday morning’s press briefing. “Rain in the forecast could help, but it’s not guaranteed.”

Legal Process Ahead

The court will determine Kling’s legal status in the coming days. Prosecutors plan to request pretrial detention, citing public safety concerns. If convicted of aggravated arson, Kling could face 5 to 10 years in prison under New Jersey law.

Kling has not yet entered a plea, and authorities haven’t confirmed whether he has hired legal representation.

Investigators continue to examine the case, and additional charges may follow if they find further damage or threats to life.

Looking Ahead

As of Thursday morning, firefighting teams are working to fully contain the blaze and prevent it from reigniting due to high temperatures or shifting winds. Officials are also assessing the environmental damage and planning restoration for the wilderness areas.

“This is one of the largest wildfires our state has seen in recent memory,” said a New Jersey Forest Fire Service spokesperson. “It will take time and resources to restore what’s been lost.”

Governor Phil Murphy, who was out of state at the time, praised the response efforts in a Wednesday evening statement: “New Jersey’s first responders acted with professionalism and urgency to protect lives and limit destruction. I want to thank everyone involved for their tireless work.”

Though the immediate danger has passed, recovery for the local community and environment has only just begun. Officials urge affected residents to stay updated through the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and other local channels.

For continuing coverage and official updates, visit njwildfire.gov or follow the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on X (formerly Twitter).