Fire officials: Jones Road wildfire now 80% contained
A 19-year-old from Waretown is in custody for arson in connection with the fire.
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The Jones Road wildfire in Ocean County is now 80% contained, fire officials said Thursday morning.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service says the fire has consumed 15,300 acres since it broke out on April 22.
The fire in the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area was spotted from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, fire officials said. Several hours after the fire was first reported, officials evacuated about 5,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships as a precaution. The mandatory evacuation order was lifted about a day later.
The fire destroyed at least one commercial structure - Liberty Door and Awning - along with multiple outbuildings and vehicles throughout the fire area.
RELATED: Judge: Teen arrested in Jones Road wildfire arson case to remain in jail
Lacey Township Mayor Peter Curatolo told News 12 he is concerned about the impact the fire has had on the animals in the fire zone.
“It's a wildlife preserve, it's a pristine part of our township, and I don't know how many animals were lost, and I feel like they need advocacy, too,” Curatolo said.
The wildlife preserve is located just behind Liberty Door and Awning.
On April 23, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette and Ocean Township Chief of Police Michal Rogalski announced the arrest of Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown in connection with the wildfire. Kling was charged with aggravated arson.
In a statement, officials said they were able to plot the origin of the fire using GPS.
"The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary by an improperly extinguished bonfire," officials said. "Further investigation has revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire - and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished."
Kling appeared in court virtually on Tuesday morning. The assistant prosecutor requested a three-day adjournment for additional time to prepare, leading to Kling to remain in custody until then. He is expected to be back in court Friday.
