A second person has been charged with arson in the wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens that has grown into the state’s second-largest fire in nearly two decades.
Prosecutors said Friday that a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with arson, aggravated arson and hindering apprehension. His name was not released because he is a juvenile.
The fire that has been burning for nearly two weeks is 80% contained, according to the state Forest Fire Service. The blaze in southern New Jersey’s Ocean County has spread across 24 square miles (62 square kilometers). No injuries have been reported.
A 19-year-old man from Waretown was charged with arson a week ago. Prosecutors say Joseph Kling set wood pallets on fire and left the area. On Friday, prosecutors said Kling and a few other people took the pallets from a recycling center, drove to a heavily wooded area and used gasoline to start the fire.
Related Articles
Man who set fire to California church, preschool sentenced to 4 years in prison
Man on trial denied being near massive California wildfire, but then changed account, prosecutor says
4 teens sought in California brush fire possibly sparked by fireworks
Bay Area tow company operator accused of torching rivals’ trucks
Investigators suspect arson at Phil Lesh’s former Marin club
Kling’s attorney said at a detention hearing Friday that Kling did not intend to set the wildfire or destroy any property.
The Pine Barrens sit between Philadelphia and the Atlantic coast, a region with quick-draining sandy soil and trees with still-developing leaves where winds can kick up, drying out the forest floor.
Firefighters have been contending with low humidity and the aftermath of a monthslong drought.