19-year-old charged with arson after large wildfire in New Jersey state
A 19-year-old from New Jersey, USA, has been charged with arson after a wildfire broke out in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. The wildfire, suspected to have been started by the teen, has burned through 15,000 acres of land.
Authorities warned that the wildfire could end up being the largest wildfire in the state in nearly two decades.
Source: PA-Fire&Police on Facebook
Teenager allegedly set wooden pallets ablaze & left scene without extinguishing fire
The suspect, 19-year-old Joseph Kling, is accused of setting fire to wooden pallets and leaving the scene without ensuring the flames were fully extinguished. Prosecutors alleged that this caused what is now known as the Jones Road Wildfire.
The blaze has destroyed at least one commercial building and triggered statewide emergency responses.
Source: PA-Fire&Police on Facebook
“Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire – and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished,” said the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
‘Soaking rainfall’ needed as flames rage on in New Jersey
The fire has been burning for 5 days at the time of this article. It was first reported on Tuesday (22 April) morning.
As of Friday (25 April) evening, the fire was about 60% contained.
Source: New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Facebook
However, officials say it would require “soaking rainfall” to fully extinguish the blaze.
Source: PA-Fire&Police on Facebook
State of emergency declared
Although the wildfire no longer poses an immediate threat to residential areas, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency on Wednesday (23 April).
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette warned the fire could surpass the state’s last major blaze — a wildfire in 2007 that consumed 17,000 acres.
Source: PA-Fire&Police on Facebook
Teen suspect held ahead of detention hearing
Kling, a resident of Ocean County, was taken into custody at the local police headquarters and is currently being held at Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Source: Shore News Network
He faces charges of arson and aggravated arson — he faces up to 10 years’ jail if found guilty.
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Featured image adapted from Shore News Network and PA-Fire&Police on Facebook.
