Boy Charged With Arson After Wildfire In Burlington Co.

EVESHAM, NJ — A boy was charged with arson after starting a wildfire that consumed 52 acres and put several homes at risk in Evesham, officials said Wednesday.

The 14-year-old Marlton resident sparked a fire that was detected Oct. 30 by Sycamore Avenue, police said. The burning put 15 homes at risk of damage around the Evesham-Berlin border.

He was charged Thursday with second-degree aggravated arson and causing or risking widespread injury or damage. The boy, whose name was withheld due to his age, was placed in the Middlesex Juvenile Detention Center, pending his first appearance.

Coincidentally, another wildfire began burning Thursday near Sycamore Drive, reaching 375 acres (more than half a square mile). Authorities are investigating whether the incidents were connected.

Both fires were contained and extinguished, with no homes or buildings damaged, police said.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the fires can contact Evesham police at 856-983-1116, the confidential tip line 856-983-4699, by emailing MahanD@eveshampd.org, or by texting ETPDTIP to 847411.