Overview

• The wildfire, which began in the Pine Barrens on April 22, has burned approximately 15,000 acres, making it New Jersey’s second-largest in 20 years.
• Joseph Kling, 19, has been charged with aggravated arson for allegedly starting the fire by failing to extinguish a bonfire of wooden pallets.
• Evacuation orders for about 5,000 residents have been lifted, and no injuries or fatalities have been reported.
• The fire is 50% contained as of April 24, with ongoing firefighting efforts hindered by historic drought and low humidity in the region.
• Air quality alerts remain in effect across parts of New York due to smoke and elevated pollution levels caused by the fire.