Last Updated on March 8, 2015 11:22 am
11:16am Sunday- per scanner 321 near/at Riverview Grocery is shut down for now due to a fire. Re-routing of traffic in that entire area.
12:50pm – re-routing of traffic is expected to last much of the afternoon due to clean up efforts now. The fire call was dispatched shortly before 10am. Guy Ford Road is also shut down per NCDOT.
3:15pm – re-routing of traffic continues in the area and via scanner it sounds as if it will last into the evening at least.
5:04pm – via scanner 321 is back open to all traffic.
The American Red Cross provided lodging, monetary assistance, and refreshments were provided for 80 firefighters, according to a press release sent from their office.
Statement from Watauga County Sheriff Len Hagaman on Sunday night 6:45pm:
“On March 8, 2015, at approximately 9:15 AM, Watauga County Communications received a report of a Structure Fire at 8210 US Highway 321 N, Sugar Grove, NC, occupied by Riverview Grocery and Apartments. Beaver Dam Fire Department and Fall Creek Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. First arriving units found extensive fire involvement throughout the structure.
Despite assistance from eleven fire departments, the structure was a total loss. The resident of one of the apartments was unable to evacuate and has died. The other residents displaced by the fire are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
The Watauga County Fire Marshall's Office, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident.”
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Photos: Steve Marks
Pictures submitted via Facebook
Photo: Vickie Trivette
Post fire: Photos: Jessica Cornett
Looking toward the fire scene from Guy Ford Road
From Guy Ford Road looking up. The metal looking object is a stove that fell from the fire scene into the road below, blocking the road for a period of time.
