Two arrested for Southeast Clarke Park arson fire

Fire damage to a restroom at the park

The following has been released by the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services Department:

The Fire Marshal’s Office has conducted an investigation into a fire that occurred overnight on May 19, 2025, at Southeast Clarke Park, located at

4440 Lexington Road. The fire caused damage to the park’s public restrooms and a nearby dugout area at

the baseball field.

The damage was discovered the following morning by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services personnel

during routine rounds. No 911 call was made at the time of the fire, as it had self-extinguished overnight.

The investigation revealed that the fire originated in two locations: the men’s and ladies’ restrooms at the

Concession Stand of the park. Evidence of fire activity was also found in an adjacent dugout area. The area was surveilled for two consecutive nights and the suspects returned to set another fire on the morning of May 22, 2025. The suspects were identified and arrested at the park.

Fire damaged restroom

Based on burn patterns, photographic evidence, and physical items recovered at the scene, the fires are

classified as incendiary in multiple locations.

As a result of the investigation, two individuals were arrested and charged with Arson in the Second

Degree, a felony offense under Georgia law. Their names are being withheld pending formal arraignment.

“This incident represents a serious violation of public safety and a senseless act of vandalism against

County property,” said Captain Kearney. “We are grateful for the collaboration between Leisure Services

ACCPD and the Fire Marshal’s Office that led to a swift and thorough investigation.”

The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department reminds the public that arson is a serious crime that

endangers lives and property, and all suspected activity should be reported immediately.

Editor’s note: The county jail’s website shows just one person being booked ion an arson charge, a homeless person identified as Audrey Page.

The Fire Department indicated that police had made two arrests. The police department didn’t respond to a request for clarification.

Audrey Leann Page