Second teen accused of sparking NJ wildfire that has torched 15K acres in Pine Barrens

A second teenager is accused of sparking the massive wildfire in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.

A 17-year-old boy was charged with aggravated arson and hindering apprehension Wednesday for helping to ignite the fire that has burned more than 15,000 acres (23 square miles, or slightly larger than Manhattan Island), according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Firefighters battle a house fire — The fire has destroyed over 15,000 acres so far. AP

Smoke filling the sky from a wildfire in Lacey Townships, New Jersey on April 22, 2025 — Smoke fills the sky from a wildfire in Lacey Township, NJ, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. AP

Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township, is facing aggravated arson and arson charges in connection with the wildfire. — Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township is facing aggravated arson and arson charges in connection with the wildfire. Ocean County Jail

Heavy smoke from a wildfire billows behind a Walmart in Lacey Township, New Jersey, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post

Firefighters battling a wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey on April 24, 2025 — Firefighters battle the wildfire in Ocean County, NJ, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. AP

He is not being identified because he is a minor.

Police say the teen helped Joseph Kling, 19, set wooden pallets on fire and that he lied to police about how the fire started.

Second teen accused of sparking NJ wildfire that has torched 15K acres in Pine Barrens

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