In a ruling on Monday, a judge granted Joseph Kling, 19, to be released on house arrest (with an ankle monitor) due to “weak evidence”. His next court date is scheduled for May 19, 2025.

Kling has been in jail since his arrest on April 22, 2025. He is accused of starting the blaze that quickly turned into the largest wildfire in 20+ years. As of Monday, the fire has burned over 15,000 acres in Ocean County, NJ and is 90% contained.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette quickly identified Joseph Kling, 19, of Waretown and he was charged with Aggravated Arson, Arson, and Hindering Apprehension in connection with the “Jones Road” wildfire that started on April 22, 2025.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad determined the cause of the fire to be incendiary by an improperly extinguished bonfire. Further investigation revealed that Kling was the individual responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire and then leaving the area without the fire being fully extinguished.

Kling, 19, was additionally charged with Hindering Apprehension after he provided false information to law enforcement, blaming the fire on “Mexicans” when officials questioned him.

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LEGAL NOTICE: The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.