Minor Charged With Arson For Firepit Flash Fire That Injured 7 In Berkeley: Prosecutor

BERKELEY, NJ — A minor was charged with six counts of arson in connection with a flash fire in a firepit at a Berkeley Township home on New Year's Eve that injured seven including the child themselves, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

The child's name and age were not released; the perpetrator is only described as a "juvenile" by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

The fire happened at about 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, during a New Year's Eve party at the North Trenton Avenue home, Billhimer said.

The juvenile was trying to start a fire in a firepit in the home's backyard, Billhimer said. As part of those efforts, the child "repeatedly" poured gasoline out of a five-gallon can into the firepit - resulting in a flash fire, Billhimer said.

Seven children were injured, including the juvenile responsible for the flash fire, Billhimer said.

Two were taken to Community Medical Center via ambulance; another was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Billhimer said.

Interviews with the six injured individuals and the juvenile confirmed the events leading to the fire and injuries, Billhimer said. Additionally, Ring doorbell footage from the home's back porch further confirmed what happened.

Because the individual charged with these offenses is a juvenile, New Jersey law prohibits the release of any additional information.