Winston Salem Times

On Feb. 17, Mayor Pro Tem D.D. Adams wanted to hear from Winston Salem residents and neighbors regarding their concerns about the fertilizer plant fire that had occurred nearly three weeks before.

Celestine Douglas, who lives near the fertilizer plant, told WXII that they wanted more information about the possibility that they were exposed to toxic chemicals because of the blaze at the plant.

“I want to know about tomorrow. I have kids that play in the yard,” said Douglas. “We all grow gardens. I want to know what to expect when I go out in my yard tomorrow. OK. All of us are planting okay and all of us grow. We need some information."

WXII 12 reported that the fire nearly destroyed the Weaver Fertilizer Plant in Winston Salem, and that chemicals at the plant posed a significant danger of exploding during the fire. The news station reported several members of the community were upset about being notified to leave the city through a voluntary evacuation order.

The Winston-Salem City Council is expected to vote on an effort to give up to $1 million in funds to individuals who live within a one-mile radius of the Weaver Fertilizer Plant. According to a member of the Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools Board of Education, there would also be support for any students affected by the blaze.

The City of Greensboro Fire Department took to Facebook to applaud the efforts of its department in helping battle the blaze.

“We are so proud of our Special Ops teams as they respond to emergencies where they can help in any way,” they wrote. “Though all first responders hope to prevent any life-threatening situations, when they do happen they are always first on the scene and looking to help. Working together only strengthens the universal truth that firefighters want to protect and aid in any way.”