Authorities in Ocean County, New Jersey, have arrested a 17-year-old boy for allegedly playing a role in igniting a large wildfire that scorched thousands of acres and led to the evacuation of around 5,000 residents.
The identity of the teenager has not been disclosed by officials. He was apprehended on Thursday and faces charges of aggravated arson, arson, and hindering apprehension, as stated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. This young man is the second individual to be taken into custody regarding the wildfire, which began last Tuesday and has been referred to as the Jones Road Wildfire.
Previously, 19-year-old Joseph Kling was arrested and charged with third-degree arson and second-degree aggravated arson. He has also been charged with hindering apprehension, according to the prosecutor's office. Kling is set to make his initial appearance in superior court on Friday afternoon, although specific details about the hearing are not yet available.
Prosecutors allege that Kling and the 17-year-old ignited wooden pallets near the intersection of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Waretown and left the scene without properly extinguishing the flames. Smoke was detected by the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower last Tuesday morning, and investigators concluded that the fire was caused by "an improperly extinguished bonfire."
As of Monday, the wildfire had consumed approximately 15,300 acres across Waretown and Lacey townships and resulted in the destruction of a commercial building. A representative from the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection informed NBC News on Thursday that the Jones Road Wildfire is currently about 80 percent contained.
Both teenagers are also accused of providing false information to law enforcement regarding the fire's origin, which led to the hindering apprehension charge.
The 17-year-old is currently being held at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, while Kling is at the Ocean County Jail awaiting his detention hearing.
It remains unclear whether the teenager has legal representation at this time. An attorney for Kling has not yet responded to requests for comment.