SEE IT: Massive Fire at Fertilizer Plant Forces Thousands to Evacuate

By
C. Williams
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In the normally-idyllic are of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a terrifying incident has thousands of residents fleeing there homes out of fear.

A fertilizer plant caught fire overnight, and there are now concerns that hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate being stored at the facility could cause a massive explosion.

Thousands of people were asked to leave their homes and emergency crews allowed a fire to burn at a Winston-Salem fertilizer plant where the blaze began on Monday night.

The fire was reported before 7 p.m. at the Winston Weaver Co. fertilizer plant at 4440 Cherry St. No injuries have been reported from the fire, but officials are worried the fire could cause an explosion.

Video posted by the City of Winston-Salem showed towering flames and heavy smoke, and people living within a 1-mile radius of the plant were asked to evacuate as the fire reached a rail car holding ammonium nitrate.

And just how much of the potentially catastrophic chemical was on site?

At 9 a.m., Winston-Salem Fire Chief Trey Mayo said an estimated 500 tons of ammonium nitrate are in building in addition to the 100 tons in a rail car adjacent to the facility. There is also an estimated 5,000 tons of finished fertilizer at the plant.

The chaotic scene was soon making the rounds on social media.

Those within any areas affected by the smoke have been asked to remain indoors for their own safety.

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