Teen charged with starting NJ wildfire blames ‘other people’ at scene of blaze that burned more than 15K acres

A wildfire that ravaged through the eastern part of New Jersey last month has led to charges against a 19-year-old man named Joseph Kling. Kling was charged with aggravated arson and arson for allegedly starting the out-of-control wildfire that destroyed around 15,300 acres in southern Ocean County. The fire, which was only declared 100% contained on May 12, caused widespread devastation in the area.

According to reports from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Kling set a pile of wooden pallets on fire on April 21 and left without extinguishing the flames. Kling claimed that he had to leave early to take his friend to the hospital after a dirt bike accident. However, he also mentioned that there were around 16 other people present at the scene when he departed. Kling insisted that he tried to put out the fire by kicking dirt on it before leaving.

Despite Kling’s claims, he and a 17-year-old individual have been charged in connection with the wildfire. The younger teen faces similar charges as Kling, including a hindering apprehension charge for allegedly lying to police and attempting to blame Mexicans for the fire. The wildfire started in an isolated area within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, causing thousands of residents to evacuate.

The wildfire in New Jersey was one of the largest recorded in the state in recent years, highlighting the dangers of uncontrolled fires in natural areas. The charges against Kling and the other individual serve as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and responsible behavior when dealing with open flames. The consequences of negligence can have far-reaching impacts on the environment and communities.