A fifty-two-year-old man is facing a single count of arson in connection with a fire at Cochrane Pond on the weekend.

Increased police patrols, including drone surveillance was set up in the park following a series of fires that escalated over the weekend.

Jason Courtney of St. John’s was arrested Sunday morning as a result of the police operation. He’s currently facing a single count of arson, and the investigation continues into at least 6 other fires in the park over the last few weeks.

Meanwhile, public safety concerns at Cochrane Pond remain despite an Order to Vacate issued by the capital city in April of 2025.

The park, which is owned by the provincial government and has been licensed to a private operator, continues to draw serious questions about health and safety and people camping and squatting at the site.

The operators are already facing dozens of charges including failing to comply with orders to vacate, with a trial date set for March.