A major wildfire in Ocean Township has led to the arrest of 19-year-old Joseph Kling, charged with aggravated arson.
Quick Takes
- The wildfire forced the evacuation of 5,000 residents.
- The fire consumed 15,000 acres, marking one of New Jersey’s largest wildfires in decades.
- Kling reportedly failed to extinguish a bonfire properly, causing the fire.
- A state of emergency was declared to manage the disaster.
Charge of Aggravated Arson
Joseph Kling was charged with arson and aggravated arson after starting a bonfire that led to the Jones Road Wildfire. The fire, categorized as “incendiary,” began after Kling failed to extinguish a bonfire of wooden pallets. Investigators plotted the origin using GPS coordinates with agencies like the Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service involved in the investigation.
The wildfire rapidly expanded to cover 15,000 acres over three days, exacerbated by abnormally dry conditions in the region. This massive fire witnessed extensive evacuations and the closure of a major highway, affecting air quality from southern New Jersey to New York City. As of Thursday afternoon, firefighting crews had contained about 50% of the wildfire.
Impact and Response
The blaze was one of the largest in nearly 20 years and originated in the Forked River Mountains wilderness area. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service deployed numerous resources, including fire engines, bulldozers, and helicopters, to combat the fire. Nearly all evacuation orders were lifted by Wednesday morning, following efficient management under the declared state of emergency.
The fire’s rapid spread was largely attributed to the aforementioned dry conditions, with experts noting that nearly 85% of wildfires across the U.S. are human-caused. The wildfire, now termed the Jones Road Wildfire, highlighted the pressing need for careful management of campfires and debris burning in such conditions.
UPDATE — 19-year-old Ocean County resident Joseph Kling has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire.
Kling ignited a bonfire using wooden pallets—then left the area without extinguishing the flames. Investigators used GPS mapping to trace… https://t.co/pIJ3mmr3YZ
— Toria Brooke (@realtoriabrooke) April 24, 2025
State of Emergency and Aftermath
A state of emergency, announced by New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, allowed for effective resource allocation and crisis management to ensure the residents’ safety. The detainment of Kling has been recorded without bail, and his detention hearing is awaited. The incident occurred during “peak forest fire season” in the Pinelands wilderness area, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic wildfires during this period.
As the cleanup process begins, this incident stands as a critical reminder of the dire consequences of negligence and the importance of individual responsibility in preserving safety and environmental well-being.
