A 19-year-old New Jersey man, Joseph Kling, has been arrested for allegedly starting a massive wildfire that has burned at least 15,000 acres in Ocean County.

Authorities say the blaze began from an unattended bonfire Kling lit using wooden pallets.

The fire, fueled by dry conditions and wind, spread rapidly, threatening 1,300 structures and prompting over 5,000 evacuations.

Kling faces arson charges and is in custody pending a hearing, ABC News has reported.

The fire was 50% contained as of Thursday, with smoke prompting air quality warnings in New York City and Long Island.

Written by B.C. Begley