911 Calls Released In Fatal Watauga County Fire

Justin Pryor,

911 CALLS:

Officials in Watauga County have charged a man they say is responsible for the August 12th fire that left one woman dead and injured several others.

The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and Watauga County Fire Marshall’s Office requested assistance from the SBI and ATF to determine the cause of the massive fire. Investigators found that the fire was the result of arson.

With the help of multiple agencies and witness interviews from around the area officials were able to identify 30-year-old Benjamin Williford of Boone as the suspect. A warrant charging Williford with First Degree Arson was issued.williford

Officials found Williford at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, NC. Williford was arrested and taken back to Watauga County where he was placed under a $500,000 bond.

Officials say more charges related to the death of Macie Pietrowickz are expected. A GoFundMe account has been made to help with her funeral costs.Macie Pietrowickz pic

Williford’s court date is October 20, 2016.

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C. — Officials say one person was killed and five people were injured in a massive fire at a strip mall in Watauga County.

The fire started around 5:38am Friday at the Valle Landing strip mall on Highway 194 South in Sugar Grove.  Crews say a family of four was able to escape the fire and all fire and EMS personnel are accounted for at this time.

One burn victim was flown to Watauga Medical Center.  Their condition is unknown at this time.

Police are diverting traffic around the area while crews are on scene.  There is no word on what caused this massive fire.  This is still developing.  Check back for updates.