A seven-year-old boy died on July 4th after an illegal firework, allegedly set off by a neighbor, flew through his apartment window and ignited a fire, authorities said.

Cashmere Elijah Parker was identified as the victim of the incident, which occurred just before 11 p.m. in Dunn, North Carolina. The firework, described as a "cake firework" which is a series of small fireworks connected to a single fuse, was not properly secured and flew erratically after ignition, according to Dunn Police Chief Timothy Gay.

The blaze spread, burning four apartments and displacing 13 families. Parker's stepfather was hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and another person also sustained injuries. The Red Cross is providing assistance to the affected families.

Brittany Armstrong, 35, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, burning buildings, and possession of pyrotechnics in connection with the incident. Police stated that Armstrong fled Dunn shortly after the fatal accident and was arrested three days later at a hotel in Fayetteville. She is being held in the Harnett County Jail on a $75,000 bond and made her first court appearance on Wednesday. Her next hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Chief Gay emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "We can't just have people randomly setting off fireworks and causing this damage. We can replace buildings, but we cannot replace that child."

Surveillance footage from the scene shows fireworks exploding close to the ground, with one then shooting sideways toward the window of the apartment where Parker lived. The firework is pictured in flight and exploding in separate images.

Brittany Armstrong, 35, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly setting off a cake firework that burned Parker's apartment. The firework is pictured in flight

The fire burned four apartments, displacing 13 families and injuring Parker's stepfather, as well as another person. The firework is pictured exploding

Just three days prior to the fatal fire, the apartment complex's property managers had distributed letters to residents reminding them that fireworks were banned on the premises. The aftermath of the fire shows damage to multiple units.

The aftermath of the fire is pictured. The apartment complex's property managers had distributed letters three days before the fire reminding residents that fireworks were not permitted on the premises

Parker's mother, Gloria Parker, told reporters that she watched her son's final moments on surveillance cameras and that he appeared scared as he moved between rooms, calling for help. A memorial for Cashmere has grown at the apartment complex.

Parker's mother, Gloria Parker, said she watched her son's final moments on surveillance cameras and that he seemed scared

A GoFundMe has been established to assist Parker's family with funeral expenses, temporary housing, and replacement of lost items.

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