New Jersey Wildfire Arrest
A man from New Jersey, charged with starting a wildfire that affected the eastern part of the state last month, argues that he shouldn’t bear the brunt of the criticism since many others were present at the scene and didn’t leave.
Nineteen-year-old Joseph Kling faces charges of arson and aggravated arson related to a wildfire that swept through South Ocean County on April 23. According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the fire devastated around 15,300 acres and was fully contained by May 12.
Kling reportedly set fire to a pile of wooden pallets and left without dousing the flames on April 21.
Kling claimed to NBC Philadelphia that he had to leave the area early to take a friend to the hospital after a serious dirt bike accident, emphasizing that 16 others remained behind when he departed.
“There were other people out there, but I tried,” he stated. He also mentioned, “I kicked the dirt on it and everything. I had very little flames on it, and others were there.”
As of now, Kling and an unidentified 17-year-old are the only individuals charged concerning the Jones Road Wildfire. The teenager faces similar charges, including one for obstruction, as both allegedly misled police to avoid responsibility.
The wildfire reportedly originated in a remote part of the River Mountains wilderness area, overseen by the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust. It prompted mass evacuations and is considered one of the most significant wildfires in New Jersey in recent years.
