19-year-old Joseph Kling charged for starting massive New Jersey wildfire
Joseph Kling, a 19-year-old from Ocean Township, is charged with arson for starting the Jones Road Wildfire in New Jersey, which burned 15,000 acres and caused evacuations.
Joseph Kling, a 19-year-old from Ocean Township, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire, which has devastated approximately 15,000 acres in Southern Ocean County.
The teenager, who is accused of setting the blaze and leaving the scene without ensuring it was fully extinguished, faces serious arson charges.
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Joseph Kling’s role in starting the fire
Authorities argue that the fire, which started on Tuesday in Waretown, was caused by Kling. This because he had been setting fire to wooden panels, which was the reason the wildfire eventually happened. The fire eventually spread uncontrollably as Kling left the scene without ensuring it was safely put out.
Kling is currently detained at the Ocean County Jail waiting for further legal proceedings, as the fire is quickly shaping up to be the largest New Jersey has seen in two decades As of Thursday morning, the fire was a 50% contained and there were no reports of deaths or loss of home yet. Approximately 5000 residents were evacuated, but evacuations are now lifted.
The Jones Road Wildfire: a devastating blaze
The fire has been named the Jones Road Wildfire and has already burned over thousands of acres, destroying one commercial building and threatening multiple structures. Authorities are currently working to prevent further damage.
Firefighters gain ground as Jones Road Wildfire reaches 13,250 acres and 50% containment in Ocean County. Photo: New Jersey Forest Fire Service
A state of emergency was declared by acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way on Wednesday, as the fire is expected to continue for a couple of more days. State officials, such as State Commissioner of environmental protection, Shawn M. LaTourette thanked New Jersey Forest Fire Service for their efforts in managing the fire. "Thanks to their efforts, we've been able to save homes and lives, preventing a major disaster," stated LaTourette