New Jersey authorities said Thursday they have charged a man with arson in connection with the Pine Barrens wildfires that have burned roughly 23 square miles along the state's southern Atlantic coastline. 

The authorities have not released the name of the man charged but say he is 19 years old from the town of Waretown,  according to The Associated Press.

Ocean County prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said the teen is charged with aggravated arson and arson charges.

“This is still a very active fire,” LaTourette said in a statement. “As we continue to get this under full control the expectation is that the number of acres will grow and will grow in a place that is unpopulated.”

On Wednesday, thousands of people were evacuated due to the fire that started on Tuesday. As of now, no deaths have been reported. The fires, which have sent smoke into New York City are expected to continue to burn at least until rain hit the region this weekend.