One man facing arson charges as police investigate multiple fires at Cochrane Pond Park
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) have charged a man with arson following a fire at Cochrane Pond Park early Sunday morning. It’s the fourth such fire in the campground this weekend.
While this most recent fire destroyed an SUV, other vehicles, campers, and sheds have also fallen victim to upwards of eight fires in the campground over the past couple weeks. As a result, the RNC were conducting extra patrols on Sunday morning. While using a drone for additional patrols, officers observed a man intentionally setting fire to a vehicle at about 8:15 a.m.. Maintaining a visual on the man with the drone, officers were able to locate and arrest him for arson.
The 52-year old man was held to appear in court on charges of arson. Investigations into the previous fires at the campground are ongoing.
There has been growing concern among area residents who are worried a future fire may ignite nearby trees and brush, leading to a large forest fire. With last year’s wildfires still fresh in residents’ minds there is a call to local governments and authorities to put and end to what appears to be the work of at least one arsonist.
Cochrane Pond Park has been the subject of news in recent years, as many campers and small cabins have fallen into disrepair. Many are dilapidated and abandoned. In April of 2025 the City of St. John’s ordered all occupants of the park to vacate, citing health and safety concerns, along with the risk of possible fires.
NTV News will have more information as it becomes available.
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