Man Charged with Arson After Authorities Say He Sparked New Jersey Pine Barrens Fire

14 weeks ago Authorities say a man set wooden pallets on fire and failed to properly put them out in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, sparking a quick-moving wildfire with smoke affecting the air quality in the New York City area. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said the 19-year-old Waretown man faces aggravated arson and arson charges in the southern New Jersey wildfire. The fire by Thursday morning grew to more than 23 square miles. New Jersey also cautioned early Thursday about air quality. The prosecutor’s office said the arrested man has no attorney listed yet.