Joseph Kling, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, faces charges of aggravated arson and arson for allegedly igniting the Jones Road wildfire, which consumed 15,300 acres in southern Ocean County. Kling reportedly set wooden pallets on fire during a bonfire with friends on April 21, leaving the scene without fully extinguishing the flames. His departure coincided with a friend’s dirt bike crash, which he claims necessitated his early exit. Kling told NBC Philadelphia that he attempted to douse the fire before leaving, stating, “I kicked dirt on it and everything” and assumed others present would manage the remaining flames.
Following a court appearance, Kling expressed that the responsibility for the wildfire should not fall solely on him, as he asserts there were about 16 others present at the bonfire who also should have helped in extinguishing the fire. On May 1, a 17-year-old companion was also charged with similar offenses, in addition to hindering apprehension, as they allegedly provided false information to law enforcement. Kling’s attorney, Joseph Compitello, argued that there is a lack of evidence linking the bonfire to the eventual wildfire.
Authorities noted that signs prohibiting fires were posted in the area where the blaze was believed to have originated, specifically within the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. The wildfire was first reported by emergency personnel on April 22 and was declared fully contained by May 12. As the investigation continues, the implications of the bonfire’s legality and responsibility remain at the forefront of the case.
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