Latest news with #JonesRoadWildfire
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Teen charged with starting NJ wildfire blames ‘other people' at scene of blaze that burned more than 15K acres
A New Jersey man charged with starting the wildfire that tore through the eastern part of the state last month claimed that he shouldn't be blamed because more than a dozen others present at the time also failed to extinguish the flames. Joseph Kling, 19, was charged with aggravated arson and arson on April 23 for the out-of-control wildfire that tore through southern Ocean County, the said. The fire destroyed around 15,300 acres and was only declared 100% contained on May 12. On April 21, Kling allegedly set a pile of wooden pallets on fire and left without putting it out. Kling told NBC Philadelphia that he had to leave early to take his friend to the hospital after a gnarly dirt bike crash, but noted that there were still about 16 other people there when he departed. 'There were other people there, and I tried,' Kling insisted to the outlet. 'I kicked dirt on it and everything. I had the flame almost out, and other people were there.' So far, only Kling and an unidentified 17-year-old have been charged in connection with the Jones Road wildfire. The younger teen faces the same charges as Kling, including a hindering apprehension charge that was tacked on after the two allegedly lied to police and tried to pin the blame on Mexicans, prosecutors said. The fire reportedly started in an isolated area within the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust's Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. It forced thousands to flee and was one of the largest wildfires recorded in the Garden State in recent years.
Malaysian Reserve
08-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
FirstEnergy Foundation Donates $25,000 to American Red Cross
Donation in New Jersey region follows Red Cross response to Ocean County wildfire HOLMDEL, N.J., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to support its efforts to offer disaster assistance to families living in communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric company Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). The donation comes after the Red Cross provided aid to some of the 5,000 residents who evacuated due to the Jones Road Wildfire, which burned through more than 15,000 acres in parts of JCP&L's Ocean County territory in April. Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy's President, New Jersey: 'When our crews respond to disasters, both in our territory or as part of mutual aid, it is the American Red Cross that is routinely there, providing the support that sustains communities in the immediate aftermath. Last month's wildfire burned close to home for many of our customers and employees, and once again, the Red Cross stepped up when people needed them most.' The fast-moving fire threatened more than 1,300 structures and put 3,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships under mandatory evacuation orders. Thousands more heeded voluntary orders to find safer ground. JCP&L temporarily shut off power to more than 25,000 customers in the area at the request of the fire's command post for the safety of firefighters. Kim Goetz, Executive Director of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region: 'When a quick moving wildfire forced thousands of people to evacuate their Ocean County homes in New Jersey, the Red Cross was there, working with partners to provide temporary shelter, care, comfort and meals to more than 300 people who had no place to go. Our volunteers supported first responders and firefighters as they battled the Jones Road Fire, providing meals, snacks, coffee and other beverages. Without the selfless dedication of volunteers and supporters like the FirstEnergy Foundation, our work is not possible. We're grateful for this incredible donation, which enables the Red Cross to prepare for and respond to disasters big and small.' The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits, including health and human services agencies, educational organizations, cultural and arts programs and institutions, and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy's electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook at or online at FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Daily Mail
New Jersey teens charged with aggravated arson tried to blame 'Mexicans' for devastating blaze
Two teenagers accused of starting a wildfire in New Jersey have attempted to dodge responsibility by pointing the finger at immigrants. When questioned about the Jones Road Wildfire, which scorched more than 15,000 acres in Ocean County, 19-year-old Joseph Kling did not deny knowing about the massive blaze. Instead, he blamed a group of 'Mexicans' he claimed to have seen in the woods, but prosecutors said that statement was entirely false - no such group was present and evidence shows Kling and an unnamed 17-year-old accomplice were the ones who started the fire. Kling now faces multiple charges, including aggravated arson and hindering apprehension, for allegedly setting gasoline-soaked wooden pallets ablaze in a remote section of the Pine Barrens on April 22. Both Kling and the other teen allegedly told investigators that Mexicans had been in the area when the fire ignited, according to Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Gregory Lenzi. But investigators discovered text chats between the teens that 'appear to refute the claim that Mexicans started the fire', Lenzi told Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder during Kling's detention hearing. The 17-year-old co-defendant is also charged with aggravated arson and hindering apprehension. In addition to consuming nearly 15,300 acres of forest, the blaze destroyed Liberty Door and Awning, a local business, Lenzi said. 'He gambled with the lives and well-being of the people of the community when he lit that fire,' the prosecutor added. According to investigators, Kling and the 17-year-old gathered pallets from a recycling center and transported them to the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. After a dirt bike crash involving a third teen - identified only as J.M. in court documents - Kling allegedly added more fuel to the fire and then left without attempting to put it out. Hours later, flames were spreading uncontrollably through the forest, threatening over 1,300 structures and prompting air quality warnings that extended to New York City and Long Island. Prosecutors say he gave false statements to law enforcement during the initial stages of the investigation. Although wildfires are not uncommon in New Jersey's Pine Barrens, the size and speed of the Jones Road Fire prompted Acting Governor Tahesha Way to declare a state of emergency on April 23. 'I am declaring a State of Emergency in Ocean County due to the Jones Road Wildfire in the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management Area near Lacey, Ocean, and Barnegat Townships,' Way posted to her X account. She added: 'At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed. If you live in the affected area, please listen to guidance from emergency management officials.' Kling remains in custody as the case unfolds. His attorney, Jim Compitello, argued that his client - a student at Ocean County Vocational-Technical Schools who is just weeks from graduation - should be released pending trial due to his 'strong local ties'. Compitello said the aggravated arson charge reflected 'fear and emotion stirred by the wildfire', not intent. He told the court: 'All we have is an individual who is alleged to have brought pallets and set them on fire. There is no proof that he had an intention to set fire to the forest.'
Daily Mail
03-05-2025
- Daily Mail
New Jersey teens gave ridiculous excuse before arrest for starting devastating wildfire
Two New Jersey teens are accused of setting one of the largest wildfires the Garden State has endured in decades - then attempting to dodge responsibility by blaming 'Mexicans.' When questioned about the Jones Road Wildfire, which scorched more than 15,000 acres in Ocean County, 19-year-old Joseph Kling did not deny knowing about the massive blaze. Instead, he pointed the finger at a group of 'Mexicans' he claimed to have seen in the woods, the Ashbury Park Press reported. Prosecutors say that statement was entirely false - no such group was present and evidence shows Kling and an unnamed 17-year-old accomplice were the ones who started the fire. Kling now faces multiple charges, including aggravated arson and hindering apprehension, for allegedly setting gasoline-soaked wooden pallets ablaze in a remote section of the Pine Barrens on April 22. Both Kling and the juvenile allegedly told investigators that Mexicans had been in the area when the fire ignited, according to Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Gregory Lenzi. But investigators discovered text chats between the teens that 'appear to refute the claim that Mexicans started the fire,' Lenzi told Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder during Kling's detention hearing. Kling's lie adds a troubling layer to an already serious case. The wildfire, now 80 percent contained, forced the evacuation of residents, destroyed one commercial building, damaged several vehicles and left about 25,000 people without power. In addition to consuming nearly 15,300 acres of forest, the blaze destroyed Liberty Door and Awning, a local business, Lenzi said. 'He gambled with the lives and well-being of the people of the community when he lit that fire,' the prosecutor added. According to investigators, Kling and the 17-year-old gathered pallets from a recycling center and transported them to the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. After a dirt bike crash involving a third teen - identified only as J.M. in court documents - Kling allegedly added more fuel to the fire and then left without attempting to put it out. Hours later, flames were spreading uncontrollably through the forest, threatening over 1,300 structures and prompting air quality warnings that extended to New York City and Long Island. The 17-year-old co-defendant is also charged with aggravated arson and hindering apprehension. Prosecutors say he gave false statements to law enforcement during the initial stages of the investigation. Although wildfires are not uncommon in New Jersey's Pine Barrens, the size and speed of the Jones Road Fire prompted Acting Governor Tahesha Way to declare a state of emergency on April 23. 'I am declaring a State of Emergency in Ocean County due to the Jones Road Wildfire in the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management Area near Lacey, Ocean, and Barnegat Townships,' Way posted to her X account. 'At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed. If you live in the affected area, please listen to guidance from emergency management officials.' Kling remains in custody as the case unfolds. His attorney, Jim Compitello, argued that his client - a student at Ocean County Vocational-Technical Schools who is just weeks from graduation - should be released pending trial due to his 'strong local ties.' Compitello said the aggravated arson charge reflected 'fear and emotion stirred by the wildfire,' not intent. 'All we have is an individual who is alleged to have brought pallets and set them on fire,' he told the court. 'There is no proof that he had an intention to set fire to the forest.' Kling's detention hearing is scheduled to continue at 11 am Monday.
CBS News
03-05-2025
- CBS News
Hackettstown, N.J. wildfire 100% contained, officials say
The wildfire near Hackettstown in Warren County, N.J. has been 100% contained, authorities said Saturday. The fire burned about 100 acres and damaged two outbuildings, according to New Jersey Forest Fire Service. No evacuations were necessary. Nearby Route 46 has reopened, along with Tannery and Russling roads. Fire crews will remain on the scene for several days to address additional areas of concern. The rounds of rain headed our way is expected to help. Smoke from the fire is anticipated to remain in the area until significant rain falls, possibly this afternoon and evening. A wildfire burned about 100 acres in Hackettstown in Ocean County, N.J. on May 2, 2025. Facebook/New Jersey Forest Fire Service The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire crews dropped water from nearby fish hatchery ponds to battle the blaze. Elsewhere in New Jersey, firefighters are continuing to battle the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County. At last update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said it was approximately 80% contained after burning 15,300 acres. Two teens face arson charges related to that fire. Joseph Kling, 19, is due back in court Monday, when a judge is expected to decide whether he can be released from jail ahead of trial.
