Second Teen Charged in Devastating Ocean County Wildfire
A 17-year-old juvenile has become the second person charged in connection with the massive Jones Road Wildfire that has scorched more than 15,300 acres of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens since April 22. The unidentified teen faces counts of aggravated arson, arson, and hindering apprehension for allegedly helping set wooden pallets on fire and leaving without fully extinguishing them, according to NBC News.
This arrest comes days after 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Ocean Township was taken into custody on similar charges. Both teens are accused of providing false information to investigators about how the fire started, prosecutors said.
Fire Continues Burning After Two Weeks
The Jones Road Wildfire, approaching its third week of activity, has destroyed one commercial building and threatened thousands of homes across Ocean County’s heavily wooded areas. The blaze is currently 80% contained but continues to burn in Waretown and Lacey townships, according to WHYY.
Officials have described this wildfire as potentially the second-worst in New Jersey over the past two decades, smaller only than a 2007 blaze that burned approximately 26 square miles of forest and vegetation.
Investigation Identifies Starting Point
Investigators used GPS technology to pinpoint the origin of the fire near Jones Road and Bryant Road in Waretown. The Cedar Bridge Fire Tower initially spotted smoke rising from the location on the morning of April 22, with officials later determining an “improperly extinguished bonfire” was the cause, according to 6ABC.
Prosecutors allege the teens set wooden pallets ablaze and then left the area without ensuring the fire was fully extinguished, during a period of extreme drought conditions and high fire danger warnings across the region.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Kling appeared before a judge last week for a detention hearing to determine if he would remain in custody. His attorney argued for his release, noting he is a lifelong Ocean County resident with no prior criminal history and is just weeks away from completing his vocational school program.
The judge ordered the hearing continued until this week, citing “significant concern to the community” regarding the serious nature of the allegations. The 17-year-old’s case will be handled separately through the juvenile justice system.
Ongoing Impact and Recovery
The wildfire forced approximately 5,000 residents to evacuate during its early stages, though all evacuation orders have since been lifted. Officials caution that while the immediate danger has passed, recovery efforts will be extensive.
Local authorities have also warned residents to be aware of scammers attempting to exploit the disaster, with reports of individuals charging up to $30,000 for smoke odor removal services in affected areas.
