Joseph Kling, 19, has been arrested and charged with arson for allegedly starting the Jones Road Wildfire in Waretown, New Jersey, which has burned over 15,000 acres.

Axar.az, citing ABC, reports that prosecutors say Kling set a bonfire using wooden pallets and left it unattended, sparking the blaze.

He faces second-degree aggravated arson and third-degree arson charges. Authorities cited eyewitness reports, Kling’s own statements, and location tracking as key evidence. A detention hearing is set for April 29.

The fire, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds, forced the evacuation of 7,000 people and destroyed one commercial building. It was 50% contained by Thursday afternoon. Smoke from the fire has prompted air quality warnings as far as New York City and Long Island.