A volunteer firefighter in southern New Jersey has pleaded guilty to aggravated arson.
Ryan Dellane admitted intentionally setting nine blazes in Ocean and Burlington counties between March and August of last year, including one that consumed 540 acres in Barnegat.
The forest fire forced the evacuation of about 75 people and two firefighters were injured.
The Asbury Park Press reports prosecutors will seek a 20-year sentence when the 19-year-old former member of the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company is sentenced on June 2.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Remains Most Tranquil Since 1941 
State Farm Sued by LA County for Delays, Denials to Fire Victims 
Global Insured Catastrophe Losses to Average $171 Billion Annually, Verisk Says 
Aon Acquires USI Insurance From KKR for $17 Billion 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.