By: Richard L. Smith
A sense of sorrow and relief is settling over Ocean County following the arrest of a 19-year-old Ocean Township resident, charged in connection with a devastating wildfire that has scorched over 15,000 acres across Waretown and Lacey Townships. 
The fire, which began Tuesday morning, April 22, continues to burn and remains only 50 percent contained, according to officials.
In a joint statement released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Ocean Township Police, authorities announced that Mr. Joseph Kling, 19, has been charged with aggravated arson and arson after an investigation linked him to the blaze.
The fire was first reported around 9:45 a.m. when smoke was spotted by the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower near Jones and Bryant Roads in Ocean Township.
Emergency crews responded quickly and discovered an active fire spreading through the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, a protected region within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust.
Despite firefighting efforts, the flames have consumed thousands of acres and destroyed at least one commercial structure.
Air quality in the region remains hazardous, and residents are being reminded that an air quality alert is in effect.
Investigators used GPS technology to determine the fire’s origin, ultimately tracing it to an improperly extinguished bonfire.
Authorities say Kling allegedly set fire to wooden pallets and then left the area before confirming the fire was out.
His actions, officials believe, directly led to the fast-moving wildfire that has placed communities and natural habitats at risk.
Kling was taken into custody at the Ocean Township Police Department and is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
“This was an entirely preventable tragedy,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
“We are thankful to all agencies that acted swiftly to investigate and respond, and while we are relieved a suspect is in custody, our thoughts remain with the residents affected by this ongoing fire.”
As fire crews continue their efforts to contain the blaze, officials urge the public to stay informed, heed air quality warnings, and remain vigilant.
The emotional toll of the fire, especially in communities where people have lost property or remain displaced, serves as a reminder of the consequences of negligence in wildfire-prone areas.
