Teen Charged With Arson in Massive NJ Wildfire as Smoke Triggers NYC Air Quality Alerts

Authorities have charged a 19-year-old man with aggravated arson in connection with the massive Jones Road Wildfire that has ravaged parts of Ocean County, New Jersey, and sent smoke as far north as New York City.

Officials say Joseph Kling of Ocean Township (Waretown) started the fire Tuesday morning by igniting a bonfire using wooden pallets. According to investigators, he left the scene without fully extinguishing it. GPS technology was used to trace the fire’s origin.

The wildfire quickly spread through the dry terrain of the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, ultimately consuming over 13,000 acres, damaging a commercial property, and forcing thousands of evacuations. Those evacuation orders were lifted once the fire moved away from densely populated areas.

As of Thursday, the fire was 50% contained, with firefighters continuing to work through challenging conditions. Smoke from the blaze has significantly impacted air quality throughout southern New Jersey and beyond.