“This fire is still very active,” said Shawn LaTourette, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “As we continue to get this under full control, the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”

An investigation concluded the fire was sparked by a poorly extinguished bonfire and labeled as “incendiary.” On Wednesday, 19-year-old Joseph Kling of Waretown was charged with Aggravated Arson and Arson in connection to the wildfire.

“At approximately 9:45am ET Tuesday, the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower located a column of smoke coming from the area of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Ocean Township,” according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Emergency crews located the fire within the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. Further investigation revealed Kling had ignited wooden pallets and left the area without ensuring the fire was out.

“Kling was taken into custody at Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Headquarters; he was thereafter transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing,” the statement said.

Following evacuations, about 5,000 New Jersey residents have now been cleared to return home.

The dry spring weather—common in New Jersey this time of year—likely worsened the fire’s spread. Sparse foliage, low humidity, and strong winds all contribute to high wildfire risk, especially during what is now peak season. A recent drought further intensified the dry conditions.

Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly reported that New Jersey has already experienced nearly twice as many wildfires in 2025 as it had by this time last year—662 fires burning over 16,500 acres.

Authorities say this is the most severe wildfire in nearly two decades, second only to a 2007 blaze that destroyed 26 square miles.