Victims of fatal house fire in Wilmington have been identified. Police: Fire was intentionally set
WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) -
The victims of a fatal house fire in Wilmington, that
officials say was intentionally set, have been identified.
Crews with the Wilmington Fire Department are responding to
a house fire on Lingo Avenue in Wilmington early Tuesday
According to officials, Pamela Pickett, 51, and her
great-niece Makayla Pickett, 14, died in Tuesday's fire. Officials are
conducting a criminal investigation of the fire that authorities say originated
from both the front and back of the house.
Makayla was a freshman at Hoggard High School. Dr. Steven
Sullivan, principal of Hoggard, said Makayla always had a positive attitude and
a huge smile on her face. He said she had an inquisitive nature and no one at
school was a stranger to her.
"She loved to chat with everyone and her infectious laughter
will be greatly missed in our classrooms and hallways," Sullivan said.
"She was an inspiration to us all."
Crews with the Wilmington Fire Department were called to
respond to the property at 1901 Lingo Street around 5 a.m. They reported seeing
heavy flames upon arrival and said several people were still inside.
According to Battalion Chief David Hines, three people were
taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening
injuries. Two of the people have been released at this time. Beverly Pickett,
54, remains in the hospital.
Firefighters searched the home several times in an effort to
locate additional victims, but did not find any. Crews were able to put
the fire out shortly after 7 a.m. A person who was initially unaccounted
for was safely located.
The Wilmington Police Department will be releasing victim
identities. The WPD and SBI are investigating the incident at this time.
The American Red Cross of Eastern North Carolina is
providing lodging and all immediate needs to the victims. The Salvation Army is
also providing Christmas packs for the victims.
Battalion Chief Sammy Flowers said the structural and
content damages are estimated at $115,000.
