Overview

• The Pine Barrens wildfire, which began on April 21, has burned over 15,300 acres and is now 90% contained following recent rainfall.
• Authorities allege Joseph Kling and a 17-year-old accomplice started the fire by igniting gasoline-soaked wooden pallets and leaving the blaze unattended.
• Kling was released on house arrest with an electronic ankle monitor after a court appearance on May 5, while the juvenile suspect remains in custody.
• Investigators uncovered attempts by the suspects to mislead law enforcement, including blaming the fire on fictitious individuals, and found digital evidence tying them to the ignition.
• The wildfire destroyed property, forced 5,000 residents to evacuate, and prompted air-quality warnings as far as New York City, though no injuries were reported.