Second teen charged with arson in connection to New Jersey wildfires

A 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with arson in connection to the New Jersey wildfires, becoming the second teen to face charges related to the blaze.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced Friday that the teen is facing charges of aggravated arson, arson, and hindering apprehension after being taken into custody on Thursday. The first teen who was charged, 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Waretown, New Jersey, faces the same charges as the unidentified 17-year-old.

As of Monday, the fire burned approximately 15,300 acres in Waretown and Lacey Township.

The fire started on April 22, when both teens set wooden pallets on fire and left the area without fully extinguishing it, according to the prosecutor's office.