Man accused of starting nearly 700-acre Bryceville wildfire faces 2 misdemeanors

BRYCEVILLE, Fla. — Local families are forgiving the man who is accused of starting a massive wildfire that destroyed their homes in Nassau County.

Investigators say 55-year-old Brian Sparks accidentally started the Bryceville wildfire last month and he now faces two misdemeanors.

The state’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement’s newly released report says Sparks admitted to illegally burning books on his property, and the flames accidentally spread.

The report says Sparks received two misdemeanors, including reckless land burning, after the flames consumed nearly 700 acres and destroyed at least two homes. Sparks was not arrested, according to court records.

“I pray for the man. I can’t imagine the guilt he feels. I hold no ill feeling, nor do any of my neighbors,” fire victim Paul Megois said while standing over the dirt patch where his home once stood.

On Tuesday, Megois said he called his local state attorney’s office to talk about the investigation, but so far he hasn’t received a call back. He wants to make sure Sparks isn’t prosecuted.

“I know they’re going to prosecute. We’re the victims here. We don’t hold anything against (Sparks),” Megois said.

Action News Jax reached out to the state attorney's office to see if they are pursuing charges against Sparks. A spokesman said they're looking into it for us and will let us know if they are.

Action News Jax also asked the Florida Forest Service if they have fined the man investigators say is responsible for the fire.

We’ve told you how Sparks could be responsible for paying back the costs of controlling the fire.

Officials tell us they do not have a dollar amount yet, because crews are still working to control the Bryceville wildfire and that number is still increasing.

Sparks is due back in court May 9.

Cox Media Group