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

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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, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Smoke fills the sky from a wildfire in Lacey Townships, 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. Ocean County Jail
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.

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