The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the person or persons responsible for starting a fire at Franklin Woods.

The fire occurred around 3:21 a.m. March 12 at lot 270 in the mobile home park, which is located at 1950 S. 13th St., Niles.

The doublewide trailer was owned by the family of Pam and Mark Parker. The Parkers and their two sons were at home at the time of the fire. Everyone made it out safely, but the home was destroyed.

Dep. Ryan Sullivan, of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, said investigators believe the fire started outside the residence, which is one reason why it is being ruled as suspicious.

“We don’t believe it was caused by utilities or anything of that nature,” he said.

The fire remains under investigation.

“We believe that this is a suspicious fire and are asking for the public’s help in providing any information that could help lead the investigators to identify the person or persons responsible,” said Det. Greg Sanders, of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

Any information can be sent through CRIMESTOPPERS or by contacting Berrien County Sheriff Department’s the Detective Bureau at (269) 983-7141, ext. 7224.

We lost everything

Pam said she and her family had been living in the home since 2003.

In addition to losing their home, the Parkers lost almost all of their possessions.

They are currently staying at a hotel while they wait for the insurance process to clear.

“We are very thankful and blessed that no one got hurt and for the help we’ve gotten from people,” she said. “It was my beautiful home and it is destroyed. It is hard to cope with it but we are doing the best we can. We lost everything.”

A gofundme account has been set up to help the Parkers rebound after the fire. People can donate money by visiting the site: gofundme.com/om99gg.

Pam said she was asleep at the time of the fire. One of her sons woke her up by pounding on the bedroom door and they all made it out safely.

The family cat also survived.

“I’m very happy everyone got out,” Pam said. “If it wasn’t for my son, we probably wouldn’t be here right now.”