NJ Wildfire Grows To 15K Acres, Suspected Arsonist Charged

LACEY, NJ — The Jones Road Wildfire that's been burning through the Pinelands since Tuesday morning has grown to 15,250 acres and remains at 50 percent containment, authorities said in a Thursday evening update.

Additionally, the cause of the fire has been identified: an unattended bonfire. Joseph Kling, a 19-year-old Waretown resident, has been charged with arson in connection. Read more: More Arrests Possible In 'Intentionally Set' Bonfire That Spread To 15K Acres In NJ

At its peak, the Jones Road Wildfire, which authorities now say began in Waretown in the Forked River Mountains area, threatened 1,320 structures. That number has come down to four, according to the latest update.

Unimproved roadways within the fire's perimeter remain closed, but now the Garden State Parkway and Route 532 (Wells Mills Road) have been reopened. See the fire's perimeter here.

A complete damage assessment is still underway. One commercial building in Lacey was completely destroyed, along with several outbuildings and vehicles. There have been no injuries or loss of life reported.

Additional reporting:

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