Laurens County man faces multiple arson charges after series of fires

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King has announced the arrest of George Christopher Baker, 45, from Dublin, in connection with a series of fires in Laurens County. The arrest follows an incident on Monday, June 23, when the Dublin Fire Department responded to a dumpster fire on Jefferson Street at approximately 3:26 a.m. This fire caused damage to the nearby Jefferson Street Baptist Church.

Following this initial incident, four more fires were reported near downtown Dublin between 9:45 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. These included two additional dumpsters, one trashcan, and a stack of crossties set ablaze.

Commissioner King stated, “A total of five fires have been connected to Baker, who has since been arrested and faces 11 charges of Arson in the First Degree.” He added appreciation for the collaboration with local authorities by saying, “We are incredibly thankful that no one was injured as a result of these fires and for our close partnership with the Dublin Police Department and the Dublin Fire Department on this investigation.”

Currently, Baker is being held at the Laurens County Jail.

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire aims to protect Georgia families by ensuring access to essential insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that fosters economic opportunities across Georgia.