Police arrested Joseph Kling, 19, for allegedly starting the New Jersey wildfire that has burned more than 15,000 acres and is about 50% contained. Authorities say a joint investigation revealed Kling lit a bonfire using wooden palettes and left before it was fully extinguished.

A 19-year-old faces arson charges in connection to a southern New Jersey wildfire that has scorched at least 15,000 acres and prompted thousands of evacuations, officials said.

A 19-year-old was accused of lighting a bonfire and leaving before it was extinguished, sparking one of the largest blazes in the state in decades.