Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced Friday the arrest of a second suspect in connection with the Jones Road Wildfire.

The wildfire began blazing April 22 in the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust’s Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. Since, it has since burned more than 15,000 acres in Waretown and Lacey Township and is currently about 80% contained.

Last week, authorities charged 19-year-old Joseph Kling with aggravated arson and arson in connection with the blaze. Kling was also charged May 1 with hindering apprehension. He is being lodged in Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. Charged May 2, the second suspect is a 17-year-old male juvenile. Authorities charged the individual with aggravated arson, arson and hindering apprehension.

Prosecutors allege that the blaze was a result of a wood-pallet bonfire that was not properly extinguished.

“Continuing investigation has revealed that the juvenile assisted in setting the wooden pallets on fire and also left the area without the fire being fully extinguished,” Ocean County prosecutors stated May 2. “It was also determined that the juvenile gave misinformation to law enforcement about how the fire started. The juvenile is currently lodged at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center.

“Further investigation has also revealed that Kling likewise provided false information to law enforcement as to how the fire started; as such, Kling was additionally charged with Hindering Apprehension on May 1, 2025. On that date, he was served with the charge at the Ocean County Jail.”

Attorney: He didn’t start the fire

Kling’s attorney, Joseph Compitello, maintains his client’s innocence. He argues that Kling was one of a number of individuals present at the bonfire, but that he did not light the fire.

“I will remain to represent solely Mr. Kling and not the new arrestee due to the clear conflict of interest,” Compitello told NJBIZ. “That being said, we are thankful that the Ocean County Prosecutors have taken steps to find the truly culpable parties in this tragic event.”

An attorney for the second suspect was not immediately known. Please stay with NJBIZ for the latest on this developing story.

Also: The New Jersey Forest Fire Service issued this warning on social media:

SCAM ALERT: Jones Road Wildfire – Ocean & Lacey Townships, Ocean County

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has learned of a scam targeting residents of Ocean and Lacey townships affected by the Jones Road Wildfire. pic.twitter.com/Bl5DbzsZaM

— New Jersey Forest Fire Service (@njdepforestfire) May 2, 2025