OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A wildfire that scorched more than 15,000 acres across Ocean and Lacey townships was 50% contained as of Thursday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, after days of coordinated response involving engines, bulldozers, helicopters, and ground crews.
Authorities confirmed the blaze began April 22 in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area and has since destroyed one commercial structure, several vehicles and outbuildings, and threatened eight additional structures. While all evacuation orders for the roughly 5,000 affected residents have been lifted, fire crews remain on scene managing hotspots and securing the fire perimeter.
Key Points
- 15,100-acre wildfire 50% contained; evacuations fully lifted
- One commercial building destroyed, full damage assessment underway
- 19-year-old Joseph Kling charged with arson after allegedly starting fire with pallets
Arrest made in connection with wildfire ignition
Joseph Kling, 19, of Ocean Township (Waretown), has been charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson following an investigation that traced the fire’s origin to an improperly extinguished bonfire involving wooden pallets. Officials say Kling left the fire site without ensuring the flames were out, leading to rapid spread in the heavily wooded area.
The blaze was first reported at 9:45 a.m. on April 22, when smoke was spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower near Jones Road and Bryant Road. Responders found the fire already active in the Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area, a section known for dense vegetation and difficult terrain.
Kling was taken into custody at the Ocean Township Police Headquarters and is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. The origin of the fire was confirmed by multiple agencies through GPS mapping and site analysis, which determined the cause to be incendiary.
Crews continue efforts as wildfire containment improves
As of Thursday, Rt. 532 (Wells Mills Road) and the Garden State Parkway have both reopened to traffic. However, unimproved roadways within the fire zone remain closed to the public as firefighting operations continue and damaged areas are assessed for safety.
A complete damage evaluation is ongoing to determine the extent of property losses beyond the known destruction of one commercial building and multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Firefighting teams remain deployed to monitor and suppress any potential flare-ups due to shifting winds or remaining embers.
Despite the fire’s partial containment, residents are advised to remain aware of changing conditions and obey any future orders from emergency services. Officials did not report any injuries as a result of the fire.
Damage assessments and recovery underway
Fire investigators and local authorities are continuing to examine the broader impact of the blaze on both public and private property, as well as the long-term ecological implications for the protected wilderness area where the fire began.
The swift reopening of major roads and the lifting of evacuations have helped restore a sense of normalcy for residents in the affected area. However, state and county officials remain vigilant as fire season continues across New Jersey.
“This was a preventable fire,” officials stated in their investigation summary, citing the ignition source as an unattended bonfire fueled by wooden pallets.