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New Jersey Business Lost to Jones Road Wildfire
A significant wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, has led to the destruction of a local business, prompting an investigation that has resulted in the arrest of a 19-year-old man on arson charges.
Joseph Kling, a resident of Waretown, has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the wildfire that has burned over 15,000 acres. Reports indicate that the fire commenced on a Tuesday morning around 9:45 a.m.
Officials, including representatives from the Ocean County prosecutor’s office and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, reported that the fire ignited from a bonfire that was not properly doused. According to allegations, Kling is accused of igniting wooden pallets and leaving the site before ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.
The impact of the wildfire was significant, with flames spreading from Waretown into Lacey Township, where a commercial structure was destroyed. Investigators utilized GPS technology to pinpoint the fire’s origin.
The arrest of Kling followed a collaborative investigation involving various agencies, including the Ocean County prosecutor’s office, New Jersey DEP, NJ Forest Fire Service, as well as local law enforcement from Ocean Township and Lacey Township.
Updates will follow as more information becomes available regarding this ongoing situation.
Source
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