Man Arrested for Arson in Pine Barrens Fire in New Jersey, Officials Report
Air quality alerts have been issued for the metro New York City area due to the ongoing fire.
While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, a commercial building and several vehicles were destroyed, according to officials. Approximately 5,000 residents were evacuated but were allowed to return home on Wednesday.
Authorities stated, “The fire was determined to be incendiary due to an improperly extinguished bonfire,” further adding that Kling was identified as the individual who ignited wood pallets and left before the fire was fully controlled.
Details regarding the incident remain sparse, and it is unclear if Kling has retained legal representation.
As of April 24, the fire has scorched about 15,000 acres in Waretown and Lacey townships, resulting in the destruction of a commercial building, according to the prosecutor’s office. Roughly 5,000 residents were evacuated but were allowed to return home on Wednesday.
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The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office warned on Thursday about the air quality, stating that “smoke will continue to permeate the area.” They also indicated that emergency personnel would be on-site over the following days.
Officials have indicated that the Pine Barrens fire is thought to be among the most severe in the past twenty years, surpassed only by a 2007 fire that burned 26 square miles.
The Pine Barrens region lies between Philadelphia to the west and the Atlantic coast to the east. Given its rapid-draining sandy soil, the area is currently experiencing a peak forest fire season. The trees are just beginning to develop their leaves, humidity levels remain low, and winds can exacerbate the drying of the forest floor.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
