At a time when firefighters are battling one of the worst wildfires in New Jersey’s history, there is an increased risk for rapid fire spread this afternoon across portions of the Garden State and eastern Pennsylvania, according to the .
Minimum relative humidity values are expected to be around 25% to 35% combined with southerly winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts near 20 mph. High temperatures will be in the mid 70s to near 80 degrees. “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,” the U.S. weather service stated.
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service warned the risk of fire is high in northern, central and southern parts of the state.
In its update last night on the Jones Road wildfire, the fire service reported the fire was 50% contained and 15,250 acres have burned. The fire started on April 22 and has spread throughout the southern Ocean County area.
About four structures remain under threat, down from eight earlier on Wednesday and 20 on Tuesday. One commercial building has been destroyed and multiple outbuildings and vehicles have been damaged
No injuries have been reported.
Update on New Jersey Wildfire: Suspect Charged With Arson
New Jersey officials announced Wednesday that a 19-year old man has been charged with arson in connection with the wildfire.
Joseph Kling of Waretown failed to properly extinguish a bonfire of wooden pallets, according to state and county officials. They said an investigation revealed that Kling set wooden pallets on fire – and then left the area without the fire being fully extinguished.
According to officials, Kling was taken into custody and then transported to the Ocean County jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing.
Like all defendants, Kling is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Forecast Calls for Wildfires to Burn More Land Across US This Year
A new report by AccuWeather says that abnormally dry conditions and warm weather could boost the fire danger along the Eastern Seaboard through the rest of this spring. The spring fire risk on the East Coast extends as far south as parts of southern Florida, according to the forecast.
Top Photo: Firefighters battle a wildfire in Lacey Townships, N.J. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via AP)
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