EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — A 14-year-old boy is facing serious arson charges after allegedly starting a wildfire in New Jersey’s Evesham Township during a period of severe drought, authorities reported.
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The forest fire began on October 30, burning for several days and consuming 52 acres before being contained. While no structures were damaged, the blaze prompted a thorough investigation, which uncovered evidence pointing to arson as the cause, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Evesham Township Police.
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Following an “extensive investigation,” police identified the boy, a Marlton resident in Evesham Township, as a suspect in the case. Due to his age, his name has not been released. He was taken into custody on November 7 and has been charged with aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage. Authorities reported that he is currently held at the Middlesex Juvenile Detention Center, awaiting his first court appearance.
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The investigation has also expanded to examine a second fire that ignited on November 7 in the same area. This second blaze burned for several days, consuming 375 acres before it was contained. Like the first fire, no structures were damaged, but authorities are working to determine whether the two incidents are connected.
New Jersey and surrounding areas have recently faced heightened wildfire risks, with dry conditions and red flag warnings issued across the Northeast. Minimal rainfall has led to an unusually high fire danger in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, with fires breaking out in several regions, including urban parks in New York City.
The investigation into both fires remains active as officials continue to monitor the region for further fire risks amid persistent drought conditions.
