New Jersey teenagers arrested for starting big wildfire after giving a silly excuse

Two teenagers from New Jersey are believed to be responsible for starting one of the largest wildfires that the Garden State has faced in many years. They tried to avoid taking the blame by accusing ‘Mexicans.’

When asked about the Jones Road Wildfire, which burned over 15,000 acres in Ocean County, 19-year-old Joseph Kling did not deny being aware of the huge fire.

Instead, he pointed the finger at a group of ‘Mexicans’ he claimed to have seen in the woods, the Ashbury Park Press reported.

Authorities claim this assertion was completely untrue – there were no Mexicans involved, and proof indicates that Kling and a 17-year-old partner whose name was not disclosed were the ones who ignited 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.