N.J. Secures FEMA Grant to Combat Massive 15,300-Acre Wildfire Threat

The federal government is providing financial assistance to New Jersey as the state remains ongoing with its challenges. battling the massive Jones Road wildfire .

The Federal Emergency Management Agency stated that they had approved the utilization of federal financial resources to aid in assistance with fighting the 15,300-acre wildfire on Thursday night.

Earlier on Thursday, New Jersey authorities filed a request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant, according to statements from FEMA officials.

The approval grants federal financial support covering as much as 75% of the qualifying expenses related to firefighting efforts, according to officials.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided via the Disaster Relief Fund to aid in combating fires that pose a risk of turning into a significant catastrophe, according to officials.

FEMA representatives have not specified the amount of funding that will be allocated to support the Jones Road Wildfire response efforts. This particular wildfire is the 14th biggest in the state's history And one of the biggest in two decades, surpassing the Mullica River Fire from 2022.

The Mullica River Fire consumed more than 13,000 acres within the boundaries of Wharton State Forest, and so forth. authorities approximated the expense at around $1 million. to combat the 2022 fire.

The Jones Road Wildfire expanded to cover 15,300 acres by Friday and was approximately 60% contained, according to statements from New Jersey Forest Fire authorities.

Four buildings still faced potential danger; however, all evacuation orders had been rescinded earlier in the week, and electricity was restored to local residents and commercial establishments by Wednesday night, according to authorities.

19-year-old Joseph W. Kling faced charges on Thursday was charged with second-degree aggravated arson after authorities stated that he started a bonfire near Jones Road and departed without ensuring the flames were completely out.

Kling stayed at the Ocean County Jail Following his first appearance in court on Thursday, a detention hearing has been set for April 29th.

Nobody has sustained injuries from the fire, and no residences have been harmed. A single enterprise was razed in an incident at a Lacey industrial zone on Tuesday evening.

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Matthew Enuco can be contacted at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com . Follow Matt on X

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