NEW YORK, USA – The Philippine Consulate General in New York confirmed Thursday that no Filipinos have been reported injured in the massive wildfire currently raging through Ocean County, New Jersey.
The fire, which broke out Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. It has burned through 15,000 acres and forced evacuations as it spread rapidly across forest land. As of the latest update, officials said the fire is about 50% contained but remains a serious threat to nearby properties and natural resources.
Consulate Monitoring the Situation
Consul General Senen Mangalile said the consulate has been closely monitoring developments and has submitted an incident report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila.
“No information that any Filipino was injured,” Mangalile told GMA Integrated News.
The consulate urged Filipinos in the affected areas to stay alert and follow instructions from local authorities. Those needing help or wishing to report a concern are advised to contact the consulate directly.
Teen Charged with Arson in Wildfire Case
Meanwhile, Ocean County prosecutors announced that Joseph Kling, 19, has been charged with arson and aggravated arson in connection with the blaze. Authorities say the wildfire began after Kling set wooden pallets on fire and left the scene without ensuring the bonfire was fully extinguished.
Jones Road Wildfire has destroyed at least one commercial building. It is on track to become New Jersey’s largest wildfire since 2007, when a blaze consumed 17,000 acres.
Kling was taken into custody at the Township Police Headquarters and later transferred to Ocean County Jail. He is awaiting a detention hearing.
Emergency Declared Amid Firefighting Efforts
Though the fire no longer threatens residential communities, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way declared a state of emergency on Wednesday morning. Way is acting in place of Governor Phil Murphy, who is currently overseas.
Officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service say a “soaking rainfall” will be needed to fully extinguish the flames. On average, the state experiences 1,500 wildfires annually, impacting roughly 7,000 acres of forest land.