Authorities have reported that two teenagers from New Jersey have been accused of starting the destructive Jones Road wildfires, which have scorched over 15,000 acres.
Nineteen-year-old Joseph Kling and a 17-year-old co-defendant allegedly provided false information to the police during their interviews regarding a significant wildfire in the area.
Eventually, investigators found out that Kling and another unidentified teenager were reportedly burning a wooden pallet on April 22, which sparked further inquiries.
Both individuals admitted to misleading law enforcement about the fire’s origins.
They claimed a separate fire was visible in the forest just before the flames erupted, according to reports.
Currently, both teens are detained by police.
The other teenager was arrested recently and faces charges of aggravated arson and hindering apprehension.
Kling himself has been charged with aggravated arson, arson, and obstruction.
According to reports, investigators examined one suspect’s phone, which contradicted claims that another group was responsible for the fire. Prosecutors noted they found chat logs during the investigation.
A witness has also identified Kling and the other suspects as the individuals responsible for starting the fire.
As of Saturday, the flames had consumed nearly 80% of the area on Jones Road.
Kling’s attorney mentioned in court that his client did not have the intention to cause such a large wildfire.
