New Jersey faced an increased risk of more wildfires Friday, just as the massive Pine Barrens blaze was finally 60% contained, having burned through an area about as big as Newark.
Temperatures of close to 80 degrees and low humidity along with southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph — and gusts as high as 20 mph — leave the parched Garden State vulnerable to another major fire, according to the National Weather Service.
“There is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon across portions of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania,” the agency warned.
“These conditions, along with the continued drying of fine fuels, could support the rapid spread of any fires that ignite, which could quickly become difficult to control,” NWS added.
In Ocean County, the Pine Barrens blaze — allegedly sparked by a reckless teenager — was finally around 60% contained by Friday, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Since Tuesday, it has torched 15,300 acres, which is about 24 square miles, roughly the size of Newark.
One commercial building has been destroyed, along with multiple outbuildings and vehicles. Officials have already begun assessing the total damages, according to NJFFS.
No injuries have been reported.
Police on Thursday arrested 19-year-old Ocean Township resident Joseph Kling, accusing him of starting a bonfire in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area that exploded when he did not properly put it out.
He was charged with aggravated arson. Kling appeared for an initial hearing Thursday via video conference and was ordered to be held behind bars until his detention hearing on April 29.
