Family, friends to remember child killed in Dunn fireworks fire

A funeral will be held Tuesday for a child killed when illegal fireworks sparked a fire at a Dunn apartment complex.

2026-07-14

Cashmere Parker died after the fireworks shot through a first-floor window at Ashbrooke Apartments on East Pope Street during Fourth of July celebrations. Harnett County Fire Marshal Rodney Daniels said the fireworks were launched about 100 feet from the building, sparking a fire that spread to several units.

Friends and family members will honor Parker during a service at Central Baptist Church in Dunn. The service begins at 1 p.m.

“He was full of love, and he loved dinosaurs. That was his thing,” said Alicia Quick, Parker’s sister. “He was so heavy on loving on his parents and loving on us.”

Brittany Armstrong was charged with involuntary manslaughter and received a $75,000 secured bond. Investigators said she lives at the apartment complex where the fire occurred. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 28.