Casey Sparks Saves 14 People From Georgia House Fire

Casey Sparks, 37, of Concorde, Alabama, saved James and Larita Burke and their 12 children from a house fire in Lyerly, Georgia, on the night of October 17. The family had been asleep when the blaze started. Sparks was driving home from a softball tournament in Dalton, Georgia, with his 13-year-old son, Cason. His GPS repeatedly directed him toward the Burke neighborhood despite their route passing through Chattanooga, Tennessee, earlier. Sparks followed the navigation instructions. He saw the Burkes' roof on fire and pulled his truck over outside the home.

Sparks instructed Cason to stay in the vehicle and call for emergency help. He ran toward the house with another passerby. The pair entered through a side door that had a broken lock. Inside, Sparks found a teenager panicking with a hose pot. The teen told Sparks that other people were still inside. Sparks located James Burke, who was asleep in his recliner, and woke him. The two men worked together to move Larita Burke and the 12 children out of the burning structure. Sparks also carried out a 10-year-old granddaughter who is blind. He returned to the home multiple times to ensure all children, including those with special needs, were safe.

Firefighters arrived after Sparks helped direct them to the scene. The fire destroyed the Burkes' house and consumed their three vehicles. No one was physically hurt. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined. James Burke had been fostered more than 500 children at his home over the previous 15 years. The family lost their belongings but their spirits were lifted by community support. Larita Burke said the timing was critical. “If it had been another five minutes, it would’ve been a different situation,” she told WRCB. “We wouldn’t have made it.”

Sparks said he and Cason drove back to Alabama in silence after the fire was controlled. Cason told his father, “Daddy, I wasn’t ready for that.” Sparks replied, “Me neither.” He said he believes divine intervention placed him at the location. “Everything that lined up for me to be there when I was, how I was, there’s no other explanation,” Sparks said. “It was God. That’s it.”

James Burke’s sister, Renia Evans, started an online fundraiser. By Monday, the campaign had raised more than $11,000. The money will help the family rent a house large enough for all 14 members while their home is replaced or rebuilt. Evans issued a statement expressing gratitude. “We will forever be grateful for Casey. … His courage and selflessness will never be forgotten.” Sparks said he has been in contact with the family since the fire. He described the Burkes as amazing. James Burke said the family is traumatized but ready to move forward. “All of our babies made it out,” he said.

The incident occurred on October 17. Sparks recounted the events in an interview with WRCB television. The video of his account spread widely online. Rick Karle, an independent journalist, first reported Sparks' perspective. The Burke family confirmed the details to WRCB. The fire department worked to extinguish the flames after the occupants evacuated. The family is currently seeking housing arrangements. The fundraiser continues to support their relocation efforts.