Second Teen Charged with Arson in 15,300-Acre New Jersey Wildfire

A second suspect, a 17-year-old boy, has been arrested and charged with aggravated arson, arson, and hindering apprehension in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, which has burned over 15,000 acres since April 22. The teen and 19-year-old Joseph Kling allegedly started the fire by igniting wooden pallets in a bonfire and then leaving the area without fully extinguishing it, allowing the blaze to spread rapidly. Both suspects are accused of lying to investigators about the cause of the fire and have been charged with hindering apprehension. The wildfire is considered one of the largest in New Jersey in the past 20 years, with officials stating it is now approximately 80% contained. Authorities used GPS technology to determine the fire originated at the site of the bonfire. The 17-year-old is being held in a juvenile detention center while Kling faces additional charges and has appeared in court.