As of April 24, a forest wildfire burning in southern New Jersey has consumed over 15,000 acres of land, leading to deteriorating air quality in New York City and the tri-state area. Authorities have indicated that a 19-year-old man is suspected of arson as the cause of this disaster and has been charged.
Joseph Kling from Ocean Township stands accused of igniting a bonfire on Jones Road in Waretown without properly extinguishing it before leaving, resulting in the wildfire spreading across tens of thousands of acres of forest land. Kling is currently detained in Ocean County Jail awaiting trial.
According to the criminal charges, Kling is accused of intentionally setting the fire with the intent to destroy the forest and recklessly endangering the safety of nearby structures. This fire is now considered the second most severe forest fire in New Jersey in nearly 20 years, second only to the 2007 blaze that scorched 26 square miles.
The New Jersey Division of Forestry Fire Service reported that the wildfire was first spotted at 9:45 a.m. on April 22 (Tuesday) and has since burned over 15,000 acres (approximately 23 square miles) of forest land, with only about 50% of the area under control. The fire is located at the border of Lacey and Ocean Townships and is expected to continue burning for several more days.
Due to the wildfire and strong winds, thick smoke has drifted north, affecting air quality in New York City and Long Island. Local authorities have issued an air quality alert until midnight on Thursday, reminding those sensitive to air pollution to be vigilant.
There have been no reports of casualties from the fire so far, but 5,000 residents were temporarily evacuated, with most now allowed to return. The fire has destroyed a commercial building and several vehicles, while 12 other structures are threatened.
Acting Governor of New Jersey, Tahesha Way, declared a state of emergency on the 23rd. The main thoroughfare, Garden State Parkway, was closed for about 7 miles but reopened on Wednesday morning.