Second teen arrested in still-burning Jersey Shore wildfire

A second teenager has been arrested in connection with the wildfire that ripped through portions of the Jersey Shore last month, officials said.

In a statement Friday, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s office said a 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with aggravated arson and arson in connection to the wildfire, which is still burning.

The allegations against the teen mirror those against 19-year-old Joseph Kling, who was arrested last week. Police say the teens set wooden pallets on fire and then left the area without fully extinguishing the flames.

Both teens are also accused of giving cops misinformation about how the fire started and are now charged with hindering apprehension.

The newly charged teen is being held in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, officials said.

The Jones Road fire had burned approximately 15,300 acres in Waretown and Lacey Townships since it started April 22, and was 80% contained as of Friday morning, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Authorities say it also destroyed a commercial building.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has said several agencies working together were able to track the fire’s origin via GPS.

Separately, the forest fire service warned residents in the area this week of scammers going door-to-door, claiming they can remove smoke odors. The people are allegedly charging $30,000 for the service, falsely claiming the funds will be reimbursed through insurance. In some cases, the forest service said, they’re pressuring residents to sign loan agreements to pay for the fraudulent service.

On Friday, the forest fire service also said it was battling a separate wildfire, in Warren County, in northwest New Jersey. Route 46 was closed from Liberty Township to Hackettstown, and the fire service as asking people to stay away from the area.

This story has been updated with additional information.