Two New Jersey teens stand accused of igniting one of the most significant wildfires the Garden State has seen in decades, subsequently trying to shift the blame to ‘Mexicans.’
When interrogated about the Jones Road Wildfire, which burned over 15,000 acres in Ocean County, 19-year-old Joseph Kling did not refute his awareness of the enormous fire.
Instead, he pointed the finger at a group of ‘Mexicans’ he claimed to have seen in the woods, the Ashbury Park Press reported.
According to prosecutors, this claim was completely unfounded—no such group was involved, and evidence indicates that Kling, along with an unnamed 17-year-old accomplice, initiated the blaze.
Kling now faces multiple charges, including aggravated arson and hindering apprehension, for allegedly setting gasoline-soaked wooden pallets ablaze in a remote section of the Pine Barrens on April 22.
Both Kling and the juvenile allegedly told investigators that Mexicans had been in the area when the fire ignited, according to Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Gregory Lenzi.
But investigators discovered text chats between the teens that ‘appear to refute the claim that Mexicans started the fire,’ Lenzi told Superior Court Judge Pamela Snyder during Kling’s detention hearing.
When questioned about the Jones Road Wildfire, which scorched more than 15,000 acres in Ocean County, 19-year-old Joseph Kling (pictured) didn’t deny knowing about the blaze
The wildfire, now 80 percent contained, forced the evacuation of residents, destroyed one commercial building, damaged several vehicles and left about 25,000 people without power
Kling’s lie adds a troubling layer to an already serious case.
The wildfire, now 80 percent contained, forced the evacuation of residents, destroyed one commercial building, damaged several vehicles and left about 25,000 people without power.
In addition to consuming nearly 15,300 acres of forest, the blaze destroyed Liberty Door and Awning, a local business, Lenzi said.
‘He gambled with the lives and well-being of the people of the community when he lit that fire,’ the prosecutor added.
According to investigators, Kling and the 17-year-old gathered pallets from a recycling center and transported them to the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.
After a dirt bike crash involving a third teen – identified only as J.M. in court documents – Kling allegedly added more fuel to the fire and then left without attempting to put it out.
Hours later, flames were spreading uncontrollably through the forest, threatening over 1,300 structures and prompting air quality warnings that extended to New York City and Long Island.
In addition to consuming nearly 15,300 acres of forest, the blaze destroyed Liberty Door and Awning, a local business
According to investigators, Kling and the 17-year-old gathered pallets from a recycling center and transported them to the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area
Firefighters battle a wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey on Thursday, April 24, 2025
The 17-year-old co-defendant is also charged with aggravated arson and hindering apprehension.
Prosecutors say he gave false statements to law enforcement during the initial stages of the investigation.
Although wildfires are not uncommon in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, the size and speed of the Jones Road Fire prompted Acting Governor Tahesha Way to declare a state of emergency on April 23.
‘I am declaring a State of Emergency in Ocean County due to the Jones Road Wildfire in the Greenwood Forest Wildfire Management Area near Lacey, Ocean, and Barnegat Townships,’ Way posted to her X account.
‘At this time, we have no loss of life and no homes have been harmed. If you live in the affected area, please listen to guidance from emergency management officials.’
Kling remains in custody as the case unfolds. His attorney, Jim Compitello, argued that his client – a student at Ocean County Vocational-Technical Schools who is just weeks from graduation – should be released pending trial due to his ‘strong local ties.’
Although wildfires are not uncommon in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, the size and speed of the Jones Road Fire prompted Acting Governor Tahesha Way to declare a state of emergency on April 23
Liberty Door and Awning’s 20,000 foot warehouse is damaged from a wildfire in Forked River, New Jsersey on April 23, 2025
Compitello said the aggravated arson charge reflected ‘fear and emotion stirred by the wildfire,’ not intent.
‘All we have is an individual who is alleged to have brought pallets and set them on fire,’ he told the court. ‘There is no proof that he had an intention to set fire to the forest.’
Kling’s detention hearing is scheduled to continue at 11 am Monday.
