New Jersey man charged with arson in 15,300-acre wildfire released on electronic monitoring

Joseph Kling, a 19-year-old from Waretown, New Jersey, accused of starting the 15,300-acre Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, was ordered released from jail on home detention with electronic monitoring while awaiting trial. Judge Pamela Snyder determined Kling did not pose a significant risk to the community but required strict conditions, including home confinement, regular check-ins, and a mental health evaluation. Prosecutors allege Kling and friends ignited a bonfire with gasoline-soaked pallets and left it unattended, leading to the wildfire, while Kling's attorney maintains he did not intend to start the fire and disputes that he was solely responsible. The fire caused mass evacuations, destruction of property, and poor air quality across the region, though no injuries were reported. A 17-year-old accomplice has also been charged, and authorities noted Kling initially attempted to blame the fire on fictitious individuals. The case continues as Kling's next court hearing approaches and the wildfire nears full containment.