A 19-year-old man accused of starting the Jones Road wildfire in the Pine Barrens will remain in jail for at least through the weekend.

A detention hearing for Joseph Kling was held Friday afternoon to determine if he should be released with enhanced monitoring. The hearing was adjourned to give attorneys more time to prepare paperwork. It will resume on Monday.

It was also announced Friday that a 17-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday in connection with the fire. The teen was charged with aggravated arson, arson and hindering apprehension.

Officials say that the fire was set in a wooded area near Lacey Township on the night of April 21 and then spread to consume more than 15,300 acres of land. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate for a time.

News 12 learned that several people were out in the area that night. It is a common place to hold parties. Kling and the juvenile suspect allegedly set fire to wooden pallets, according to officials. Officials also say that someone they were with was hurt in a dirt bike incident just as the fire was starting, which caused everyone to abandon the bonfire, while it was still burning.

“This defendant's actions were both purposeful and reckless. He lit a makeshift bonfire that consumed [thousands of] acres of land and resulted in thousands of residents being evacuated from their homes,” said Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Lenzi. “It destroyed the Liberty Door and Awning business. His actions exhibited a complete disregard for the safety of the community and the unconscionable amount of damage and destruction.”

No injuries were reported as a result of the wildfire. Fire officials say that the fire was 80% contained as of Friday evening.