Latest news with #PineBarrens
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Second teen accused of sparking NJ wildfire that has torched 15K acres in Pine Barrens
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. 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. Kling was arrested last week and charged with aggravated arson. He now faces an additional charge of hindering apprehension. New Jersey firefighters battled the fierce blaze in the southern part of the state that took days to contain, and was thought to be the largest wildfire in the Garden State in the last 20 years. A column of smoke was first spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower in Barnegat Township on April 22, and the fire quickly spread out of control, forcing the evacuation of 5,000 residents, and cutting electricity to 25,000 Garden Staters. The blaze burned 15,300 acres in Waretown and Lacey Township, destroyed a commercial building and prompted an air quality advisory in New Jersey, New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland counties. The cause of the fire was determined to be an improperly extinguished bonfire.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
19-year-old Joseph Kling appears in court, charged with arson for allegedly sparking massive NJ wildfire
A 19-year-old man has been charged with arson for allegedly sparking the massive wildfire in the New Jersey Pine Barrens that has torched 15,000 acres, prosecutors said. Joseph Kling, of Ocean Township, allegedly started a bonfire in the vast Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area with wooden pallets that exploded out of control when he did not properly put it out, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township police headquarters and brought to the Ocean County Jail. He appeared for an initial hearing Thursday afternoon via video conference, looking disheveled and wearing a green prison jumpsuit. The judge said the state filed a motion to keep him locked up ahead of his trial, and that the detention hearing has been scheduled for April 29, when a superior court judge will determine if he should be released or remain behind bars. Neither the Ocean County prosecutor nor Kling's public defender, Giana Testa, had any questions for the judge, but Kling asked if the date of his next hearing fell on a Tuesday and what time it would be held. The judge told him such proceedings usually kick off at 9 a.m., and Kling said 'thank you, have a good day,' before walking off camera. Air quality warning issued for NYC and Long Island as wildfire in NJ spreads to more than 13K acres Massive NJ wildfire that forced thousands to flee inferno could be state's largest in decades Evacuation orders lifted after fast-moving NJ wildfire shuts down major highway, prompts thousands to leave NJ wildfire prompts evacuation orders for thousands as blaze explodes in size, closes part of Garden State Parkway 19-year-old Joseph Kling appears in court, charged with arson for allegedly sparking massive NJ wildfire A column of smoke was first spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower in Barnegat Township around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, officials said. The fire quickly spread out of control, forcing the evacuation of 5,000 residents of Ocean and Lacey townships. As of Thursday morning, the fire had scorched roughly 15,000 acres (23 square miles, or slightly larger than Manhattan Island) and destroyed at least one commercial building. The wildfire is currently 50% contained with 12 structures threatened, according to the latest update from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. No injuries have been reported, and all evacuation orders have been lifted. The massive blaze, one of the largest wildfires in the Garden State in decades, prompted an air quality advisory in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester and Rockland counties through Thursday. Officials estimate the fire might not be completely extinguished until at least Saturday.
Belfast Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Stars: New Stephen Conley album full of hope, heart and hooks
Belfast singer-songwriter in form of his life with first solo project Belfast-based troubadour Stephen Conley has just released his debut solo album and it's a reputation-making affair from the talented tunesmith. Dubbed Hercules And Churches To You, the former member of the should've been massive alt-rockers Pine Barrens is at the peak of his powers on the 10-track opus and it's full of heart, hope and evergreen hooks that you'll be humming for months.
Int'l Business Times
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Int'l Business Times
Massive New Jersey Wildfire Devastates 8,500 Acres, Threatens Wildlife and Communities Amid Historic Drought
A raging wildfire, named the Jones Road Wildfire, has consumed over 8,500 acres in Ocean County, New Jersey, threatening the delicate Pinelands ecosystem, displacing wildlife, and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Igniting on April 22, 2025, in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area near Barnegat Township, the blaze has triggered a state of emergency, closed major highways, and left more than 25,000 homes without power. As of Wednesday morning, the fire remains only 10% contained, with dry conditions and gusty winds fueling its spread. State of Emergency Declared as Fire Threatens Homes New Jersey's Acting Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency for Ocean County, citing the fire's rapid expansion and its threat to over 1,320 structures. "This fire has caused widespread disruption, including the evacuation of residents and the loss of power to thousands," Way said. The Garden State Parkway, a vital artery, was closed for 17 miles between Exits 63 and 80 as flames leaped across roads, including Route 9. Jersey Central Power & Light cut electricity to more than 25,000 customers to protect firefighters battling the blaze. The fire's ferocity has left communities in chaos. "The smoke was so thick, and ashes covered everything," said Kelly Mendoza, an evacuee from Barnegat Township. Shelters, such as Manchester Township High School, have opened to house displaced residents, with no reported injuries or fatalities as of Wednesday. Drought and Winds Fuel Unprecedented Fire Risk The Jones Road Wildfire is fueled by a historic drought gripping New Jersey, with southern Ocean County classified as abnormally dry or in moderate drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Low humidity, temperatures in the 70s, and winds gusting up to 25 mph have created ideal conditions for the fire's rapid spread. The National Weather Service noted an elevated fire risk across the region, with forecasts predicting continued breezy conditions through Wednesday, though rain may arrive by Friday night, offering hope for relief. New Jersey's 2025 wildfire season has been unusually severe, with 537 fires reported since early October—500 more than the same period last year. The state's burn bans and restrictions on outdoor fires remain in effect to curb further ignitions. Ecological Toll on the Pinelands The Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, a cornerstone of the Pinelands, is home to endangered species like the Pine Barrens tree frog and threatened species such as the northern pine snake. While the Pinelands' pitch pines and scrub oaks are adapted to periodic fires, the intensity of the Jones Road Wildfire could disrupt habitats and force wildlife into residential areas. Similar fires in Passaic County last fall saw animals seeking refuge in backyards, prompting experts to urge residents to provide water and space for displaced creatures. The long-term ecological impact depends on containment efforts. Uncontrolled fires can alter soil composition, reduce biodiversity, and hinder the recovery of fire-adapted ecosystems. The Pinelands' sandy soils and unique flora make it particularly vulnerable to prolonged blazes. A Growing Wildfire Threat in the Northeast The Jones Road Wildfire follows other destructive blazes in the region, including the Jennings Creek Wildfire, which burned over 7,000 acres across New York and New Jersey in November 2024 and claimed a volunteer firefighter's life. Experts attribute the surge in Northeast wildfires to climate change, which is driving warmer, drier conditions and extending fire seasons. "The combination of drought, wind, and warmth is a perfect storm for wildfires," said a National Weather Service spokesperson. New Jersey's 21 counties remain at heightened risk, with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Helicopters and ground crews are deployed, but the fire's size and unpredictable winds pose significant challenges. Community Resilience and Recovery As containment efforts continue, Ocean County residents are banding together. Emergency services are providing updates via social media, and some evacuation orders have been lifted, allowing residents to return home. Damage assessments are ongoing, with early reports suggesting no single-family homes have been destroyed, though the threat persists. The psychological toll is evident. "It was terrifying to leave with just our documents and the clothes on our backs," said evacuee Ferrara. Recovery will require coordinated efforts to restore power, reopen roads, and support affected communities. Looking Toward a Fire-Resilient Future The Jones Road Wildfire underscores the need for proactive measures to address the growing wildfire threat in the Northeast. Experts call for enhanced forest management, public education on fire prevention, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate drought and extreme weather. For now, the focus remains on containing the blaze and protecting lives, property, and the Pinelands' irreplaceable ecosystems. Originally published on
