A fire at the Weaver Fertilizer Plant in Winston-Salem, N.C. forced 6,500 local residents to evacuate late Monday night and into early Tuesday morning. The lawn and garden fertilizer plant is home to more than 300 tons of ammonium nitrate, and officials feared a potential explosion.
According to local media, the fire started Monday night. With so much ammonium nitrate in the area, the potential for a large explosion forced officials to act quickly to minimize damage.
City officials issued an urgent warning on Twitter and Facebook, telling residents to plan to be away from their home for up to 48 hours.
Please evacuate the one mile radius around 4440 North Cherry Street . Plan to be away from your home for up to 48 hours. Evacuation location 414 Deacon Blvd-The Education Building at the Fairgrouinds. https://t.co/rZyweJ8sjz
— City of Winston-Salem, NC (@CityofWS) February 1, 2022
According to local reports, no injuries have been reported as of Tuesday morning.
The company produces fertilizer for the lawn and garden market. According to the website, products include pelletized limestone, slow release fertilizer and more.
Winston Weaver Company, Inc. was founded in 1929 in Norfolk, Virginia and has been in business continuously for 80 years.
