A 19-year-old Ocean Township resident has been charged with arson in connection with one of the largest wildfires New Jersey has experienced in the past two decades. Authorities say the fire, now known as the Jones Road Wildfire, was deliberately ignited and quickly raged out of control, burning more than 15,000 acres in the heart of Ocean County’s pine wilderness.
The suspect, identified as Joseph Kling, was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and arson after investigators determined that he allegedly started a bonfire that led to the massive blaze. The fire began on Tuesday morning and, as of Thursday, has scorched approximately 23 square miles, forced thousands of residents to evacuate, and destroyed at least one commercial building.
Tracking the Origin of the Fire
The fire was first spotted around 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday by the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower. Located within the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area in Barnegat Township, the area quickly became the epicenter of an aggressive fire spread, fueled by dry conditions and low humidity.
By Tuesday evening, flames had crossed into Ocean and Lacey townships, spreading rapidly despite firefighters’ efforts to contain them. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, supported by local and state fire crews, worked tirelessly to battle the blaze in what has been described as peak wildfire season across the Pine Barrens.
GPS Leads Investigators to Suspect
Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office say GPS tracking was instrumental in determining the fire’s point of origin. Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer confirmed at a press conference that authorities are confident Kling is responsible for starting the fire.
According to the criminal complaint, Kling allegedly lit a bonfire off Jones Road, which he left unattended. That small fire quickly spread out of control due to dry brush and drought-stricken forest conditions. Kling was taken into custody at the Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing.
At this time, no legal representation has been confirmed for the suspect.
A Blaze of Historic Proportions
As of the latest official update on Thursday afternoon, the wildfire was only 50% contained. Fire officials report that 15,200 acres have burned so far, and while evacuation orders have been lifted, the threat to the area has not entirely passed.
Acting New Jersey Governor Tahesha Way declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday in response to the scale and speed of the wildfire. In a public statement, she noted the unprecedented nature of the blaze, which may go down as New Jersey’s largest wildfire in over 20 years.
“The Pine Barrens may be sparsely populated, but with New Jersey being the most densely populated state in the nation, wildfires like this pose a significant risk to life, property, and infrastructure,” said Governor Way.
Officials reported that four structures remain under threat, and damage assessments are ongoing.
Thousands Evacuated, Power Disrupted
The wildfire triggered a massive evacuation on Tuesday night, displacing over 5,000 residents from their homes in Barnegat, Ocean, and Lacey townships. Emergency personnel worked through the night to ensure the safety of those affected, and all evacuation orders were lifted by Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to the direct threat of flames, the fire caused widespread power outages after Jersey Central Power & Light was forced to de-energize all lines feeding into the Oyster Creek substation at the request of the Forest Fire Service. By Wednesday at 5 p.m., power had been restored to all customers.
Road closures across the area have largely been lifted, although unimproved roads within the fire perimeter remain closed for safety reasons, according to the Forest Fire Service.
Environmental Conditions Fan the Flames
Experts say this year’s wildfire season is already proving to be one of the most severe in recent memory. As of April 2025, New Jersey has reported 662 wildfires, burning a combined total of over 16,500 acres statewide.
The Jones Road Wildfire is the second major incident this week alone. The Vineland Wildfire in Cumberland County has already burned through 1,327 acres and was reported to be 80% contained as of Wednesday.
The Pine Barrens region, which spans over 1 million acres, is particularly susceptible to wildfires due to its dense forest, flammable underbrush, and dry conditions exacerbated by prolonged drought. Fire officials warned earlier this spring that the lack of significant rainfall could lead to a dangerous fire season, a warning now fully realized.
Legal Ramifications and Community Response
If convicted, Joseph Kling could face severe legal consequences, including multiple years in prison. Under New Jersey law, aggravated arson is a serious felony charge, particularly when property or human life is placed at significant risk.
Community leaders and residents alike have expressed shock and frustration over the alleged cause of the fire. Social media has been flooded with calls for accountability, with many urging young people to be more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment and their communities.
Local officials have also reiterated the importance of fire safety and awareness, especially during peak wildfire season. “One careless act can put thousands of lives at risk,” said Ocean County Fire Marshal Doug Wolcott. “This incident is a tragic reminder of that.”
Moving Forward: Containment and Recovery
Fire crews continue their round-the-clock efforts to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. A full assessment of damage to wildlife, infrastructure, and private property will begin once the fire is fully under control.
For now, the community remains on high alert, grateful that no injuries or deaths have been reported, but aware that the danger has not yet passed.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service urges residents to stay informed through official channels and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.