Grants Pass, Ore. – May 6, 2025 — A 35-year-old man from Grants Pass was charged with starting a fire at the A Street resting site on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 5:10 p.m., prompted an immediate response from Grants Pass Police (GPPD) and Grants Pass Fire and Rescue.
Witnesses at the scene were reportedly attempting to put out the fire by dousing a tarp that had caught flames. In addition to the tarp, the fire caused damage to about eight feet of screening attached to the fencing around the site. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
An investigation led by GPPD Sergeant Nieminen determined that the fire was intentionally set by Jack Doak, a 35-year-old resident of the A Street resting site. As a result, Doak was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal mischief and reckless burning.
This fire marks the second such incident in less than a month. On April 16, police and fire crews responded to a fire at the 7th Street resting site, where a tent caught fire. The cause of that fire is still under investigation.
Authorities have yet to connect the two incidents, but both have raised concerns about safety at local resting sites, particularly in areas that serve vulnerable populations. With the rising frequency of such incidents, local officials are urging increased vigilance and fire safety awareness in public spaces.
The investigation into the 7th Street fire continues as the community grapples with these alarming events. Local leaders are calling for further discussions on improving conditions and safety measures at public resting sites throughout the city.