New Jersey, April 23, 2025 — A series of wildfires have erupted across multiple counties in New Jersey, scorching thousands of acres and raising alarms across the Tri-State area. With smoke drifting toward New York City, environmental and health concerns are escalating.
Who’s Responsible?
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on arson charges in connection with a southern New Jersey wildfire that has scorched more than 15,000 acres, prompted about 5,000 evacuations and briefly shut down part of the Garden State Parkway, officials said.
Joseph Kling faces charges of aggravated arson and arson after a multi-agency investigation determined the fire was caused “by an improperly extinguished bonfire,” according to a joint statement Thursday from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Kling was allegedly responsible for setting wooden pallets on fire, then leaving the scene before the fire was fully extinguished.
How Much Area is Affected?
As of this morning, over 12,000 acres of forests and grasslands have been affected, with Ocean, Burlington, and Atlantic counties seeing the worst of it. Firefighters are battling to contain the blazes, some of which remain uncontained due to strong winds and dry brush.
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Impact on NYC
New Yorkers woke up to hazy skies and poor air quality, as smoke from the wildfires drifted into the city. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory, urging residents, especially those with respiratory issues, to limit outdoor activity.
Local Response
Local New Jersey officials say they are “mobilizing all available resources.” The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is working around the clock with support from neighboring states. Some counties have declared states of emergency and are warning residents to stay alert for possible evacuation orders.
When Will It Be Under Control?
Officials estimate that the fires could be contained within the next 3–5 days, depending on weather conditions. Rainfall forecasted for later this week could bring some much-needed relief.
Bottom Line:
As New Jersey fights to regain control over the wildfires, residents across the region — including NYC — are feeling the effects. With human activity likely contributing, authorities are urging extreme caution and cooperation from the public.
