US EditionSecond person charged with arson in New Jersey Pine Barrens fire
- Firefighters continue to combat a large blaze that ignited on April 22, 2025, in the pinelands of Ocean County, New Jersey, which has since consumed more than 15,000 acres.
- The wildfire started after two teenagers, including 19-year-old Joseph Kling and a 17-year-old, allegedly set a bonfire with wooden pallets that was not extinguished properly.
- The fire has threatened about 25 structures, forced road closures including part of Route 46, and led officials to urge the public to avoid the area while no evacuations have been ordered.
- Officials reported the fire is 80% contained as of May 2, 2025, describing it as the second-worst New Jersey wildfire in two decades, with one building in Lacey destroyed and 25,000 people losing power.
- Authorities have charged Kling and the 17-year-old with aggravated arson and hindering apprehension, and Kling has appeared in court for a detention hearing related to the wildfire.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Second person charged with arson in New Jersey Pine Barrens fire
A second person has been charged with arson in the wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens. Prosecutors said Friday that a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with arson, aggravated arson and hindering apprehension.
NJ teen is second suspect arrested in massive Ocean County wildfire
A New Jersey teenager has been arrested in connection with a massive wildfire that has burned more than 15,000 acres in Ocean County, prosecutors announced Friday. The 17-year-old male juvenile, who hasn’t been named because of his age, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with aggravated arson and related crimes. He’s the second person arrested in connection with the Jones Road wildfire, which officials say was sparked by an improperl…
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