A 14-year-old boy has been charged with allegedly starting a fire in New Jersey amid the region’s drought, police said.
The wildfire broke out in Evesham Township on Oct. 30 and burned for several days, police said. Police said the fire consumed 52 hectares, although no structures were damaged.
New Jersey firefighters respond to a fire in Evesham Township, New Jersey that started on October 30, 2024.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service
Authorities investigating the cause and origin of the fire “found evidence that identified this fire as arson,” Evesham Township Police said. statement on wednesday
New Jersey firefighters respond to a fire in Evesham Township, New Jersey that started on October 30, 2024.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service
After an “extensive investigation,” the teenager — who lives in Marlton, within Evesham Township — was identified as the suspect, police said.
The teenager, whose name has not been released due to his age, was arrested on November 7 and charged with aggravated arson and causing or endangering great injury or damage, police said. He was booked into the Middlesex Juvenile Detention Center pending his first appearance, police said.
New Jersey firefighters respond to a fire in Evesham Township, New Jersey that started on October 30, 2024.
New Jersey Forest Fire Service
The police have said that they are investigating whether a fire that broke out on November 7, in the same area as the fire on October 30, is related to what happened.
The Nov. 7 fire burned for several days, consuming 375 acres, although no structures were damaged, police said.
The investigation into both fires is ongoing.
Fire danger in the Northeast has been unusually high in recent weeks, including red flag warnings, with very little rain in the region. Fires have broken out across New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Including New York City parks.
