New Jersey Wildfire: Arson Suspect Arrested as Blaze Grows to 15,000 Acres
A 19-year-old is charged with starting a New Jersey wildfire that has burned 15,000 acres and destroyed a commercial building, prompting air quality alerts in NYC.
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Overview
A 19-year-old from Waretown, Joseph Kling, was arrested for allegedly starting the Jones Road Wildfire, which has burned approximately 15,000 acres in New Jersey. The fire was ignited by improperly extinguished wooden pallets, leading to significant evacuations and damage to a commercial building. As of Thursday, officials reported the fire is 50% contained, but it continues to impact air quality in New York City and nearby areas. Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency, and while evacuations have been lifted, the fire is expected to burn for several more days.
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Analysis
- The New Jersey wildfire has grown to over 23 square miles and is currently 50% contained, with no injuries reported among residents or firefighters.
- Air quality alerts have been issued for New York City and surrounding areas due to smoke from the wildfire, with elevated pollution levels expected until midnight.
- A state of emergency has been declared in New Jersey, and officials are actively monitoring the situation as the cause of the fire is now identified as an improperly extinguished bonfire.
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USA TODAY·2M·FAQ
The fire is approximately 50% contained as of the latest updates.
About 5,000 people were evacuated, and evacuations have been lifted for residents in the affected areas.
A 19-year-old from Waretown, Joseph Kling, was charged with starting the fire, which allegedly began from improperly extinguished wooden pallets.
History
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