Hope has come for one White County family that has seen their share of trouble the past year.
Most remember the tragic fire on Clark Street, in June 2025. The young child that was placed in a medically induced coma due to her burns has finally been able to return home, happy and healthy once again. The family wanted to share their thanks to the White County community for standing by them during the tragic event.
The call for the fire went out around 2:15 p.m. on June 20. The smoke from the house fire was spreading across Bockman Way. By the time emergency services calmed the fire, the house had been destroyed, and there were some major injuries as a result. The fire affected both families in the house, with one male injured in one family, and the father and three children injured on the other. Both the father and youngest child were placed into medically induced comas at Vanderbilt Burn Center. For the next few weeks, donations were given to help assist the families during that arduous time.
After months of fighting, though, that young child has finally been able to return home. Charles and Cindy Spakes, grandparents, shared their gratitude with White County through a letter shared with The Expositor.
“Dear Church Family (Spring Hill Baptist Church), Community Members of White County and beyond, and the BonDeCroft Volunteer Fire Department:
“From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, prayers, and generosity you have shown to our grandson, Andrew, his wife Katie, and their family during one of the darkest moments of their lives. Following the tragic house fire in Sparta, Tennessee, on June 30, 2025, our grandson and great-granddaughter were placed in medically induced comas. Their two young sons sustained burns but recovered quickly, while their baby girl has courageously continued to fight through severe injuries in the hospital for the past five and a half months.
“They have been enduring a storm they never imagined they would face.
“God works through people, and He truly worked through you.
“Your donations, support, and prayers reached us when we felt shaken and afraid. You gave them hope and comfort and reminded them they were not alone. Your kindness has shown Christ’s love in action.
“At first, we were told our great-granddaughter might be in the hospital for a year or more. Thanks to God’s grace and your prayers, she is now getting ready to come home after just five-and-a-half months. We see this as an absolute miracle and give God all the glory.
“We cannot fully express our gratitude. Because of your kindness, our grandson’s family can begin to rebuild their home and their hope. We have seen what a true community is— people who love freely, give without expecting anything in return, and help those who are hurting.
“Thank you, BonDeCroft Volunteer Fire Department, for acting quickly to gather donations and for your ongoing support. Thank you, First Baptist Church of Spring Hill and community, for showing Christ’s love in real ways. Thank you to everyone for standing with our family when we needed it most.
“May God bless each of you as much as you have blessed us.
“With heartfelt gratitude and love,
“Charles & Cindy Spakes.”
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