Crime | wildfires 14-Year-Old Accused of Starting NJ Wildfire Boy is being held in blaze that burned through more than 50 acres By John Johnson Posted Nov 14, 2024 1:41 PM CST Copied This image provided by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection shows a wildfire in Jennings Creek, N.J., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection via AP) Police in New Jersey have arrested a person accused of starting a wildfire amid the state's ongoing drought—and he's all of 14 years old. Evesham Township Police say they arrested the juvenile and charged him with setting a fire on Oct. 30 that burned more than 50 acres of land, reports ABC News. No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged. The boy is being held in a juvenile facility and is charged with aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, per Fox29. The charges could get worse: Authorities are investigating whether the Oct. 30 fire is connected to another on Nov. 7 that burned nearly 400 acres. New Jersey is undergoing a stretch of dry weather so severe that Gov. Phil Murphy has asked state residents to cut down on water use. Read These Next Trumps ends trade talks with Canada. Actor Sam Rockwell gets residuals from movie he wasn't in. Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. President Trump celebrates a 'giant' Supreme Court win. Report an error