A 19-year-old man faces arson charges related to the wildfire in Ocean County, N.J. that has scorched more than 15,000 acres. Joseph Kling, of Waretown, faces aggravated arson and arson charges related to the fire.

A 19-year-old Waretown man has been arrested and charged with aggravated arson in connection with the so-named Jones Road fire in Ocean County that consumed more than 15,000 acres of woodlands, authorities said.

Police arrested Joseph Kling, 19, for allegedly starting the New Jersey wildfire that has burned more than 15,000 acres and is about 50% contained. Authorities say a joint investigation revealed Kling lit a bonfire using wooden palettes and left before it was fully extinguished.