State Investigators Looking For Person Of Interest In Pembroke Fire

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King’s State Fire Investigations Unit recently announced that Cecil R. Sparkes, 47, is wanted in connection with a major fire at 217 Burkhalter Street in Pembroke. Mr. Sparkes was last seen in a 2002 Black Toyota Highlander with Georgia tag RRS 8193.

This fire was first reported around midnight on Monday, November 16. Upon arriving at the scene, the Pembroke Fire Department found the 1,352-square-foot, 90-year-old home fully enveloped in flames.

“Four children were in the home at Burkhalter Street at the time of the fire,” said Commissioner King. “A 13-year-old boy was taken to the Burn Center in Augusta for treatment due to smoke inhalation while three other children escaped unharmed.”

A state investigator with Commissioner King’s office arrived at the scene on Monday and determined the fire started in the home’s laundry room. The Pembroke Fire Department and Commissioner King’s office are working with other local authorities in this ongoing investigation.