A 13-year-old from Bryan County is charged with setting a fire in the woods that led to the destruction of a dwelling in Pembroke, according to a press release.

On July 13, investigators with the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office were requested to assist the Pembroke Fire Department with an investigation into a fire that occurred at 455 Williams Road in the city limits of Pembroke on July 8. 

The fire in question resulted in heavy damage to a 792-square-foot, 80-year-old wood frame dwelling.

 Upon arrival on the scene, investigators discovered footprints in the surrounding woods, as well as evidence of several other attempted fires in the area.

 A male juvenile suspect, who is not being named because of his age, quickly became the main suspect in the case, according to authorities. After being interviewed by the Pembroke Police Department, the juvenile confessed to starting one of the wood fires on the morning of July 13, resulting in a juvenile complaint filed against him for arson of woodlands.

 “While we are not certain this juvenile started the structure fire in question, he has admitted to at least one fire in the surrounding woodlands,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “He has since been fitted with a leg monitor while awaiting a Juvenile Court hearing. We hope these steps will help this young man get back on the right path.”

 The Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner’s Office assisted the Pembroke Fire Department, the Pembroke Police Department, and the Georgia Forestry Commission with this investigation.