Winston-Salem Plant Explosion Still Possible, Fumes Pollute Air

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — A Winston-Salem fertilizer plant that has been burning since Monday evening could still explode, officials said Wednesday morning, and residents with breathing problems were urged to remain indoors.

As Patch previously reported, a massive inferno destroyed the Winston Weaver Co. fertilizer plant Monday night. Authorities are worried that nearly 600 tons of ammonium nitrate inside could detonate. Firefighters were forced to pull back and, and about 6,500 people were evacuated.

Trey Mayo, chief of the Winston-Salem Fire Department, said the plant could have nearly three times as much of the chemical as was in a deadly plant explosion in Texas nine years ago that killed 15 people.

Speaking to reporters early Wednesday, Winston-Salem Fire Division Chief Bobby Wade said the situation had improved little since Tuesday evening.

"The potential for an explosion is still there, and we have to be patient, and just observe, and keep those safe distances and those safe zones established until we get to point that we can re-enter the site and start assessing," Wade said.

Mayo he hasn't seen a fire like this during his three decades of service.

“Potentially the largest explosion in U.S. history,” Mayo said.

Mayo added:

"That [West, Texas] fire and the resulting explosion, killed about 15 people and leveled about 100 buildings. The quantity of ammonium nitrate they had was 240 tons. When [the Winston-Salem] fire began [Monday] night, we had 600 tons on-site, so if that doesn’t convey the gravity of the situation and how serious folks need to take it, I don’t know how else to verbalize that.”

A voluntary evacuation order for the one-mile radius surrounding the plant remains in effect, and officials will re-evaluate the situation later Wednesday morning.

No injuries have been reported.

"There have been no injuries or loss of life to any employees, fire responders or citizens at this time," a plant spokesman said Tuesday evening. "We are grateful for the outstanding, rapid work last night and ongoing support from fire officials, as well as the volunteer services who have supported our employees and plant neighbors."

Smoke and ammonium nitrate particles are affecting air quality in the area, Dr. Jill Ohar of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist told WXII 12 News on Tuesday. People who must go outside should wear a mask, she said.

The level of nitrous oxide in the air reached 65 ppm Mayo said Tuesday. When that level reaches 100 ppm, it becomes "immediately dangerous to life and health."

The fertilizer plant passed an inspection in December 2021, WFMY-TV reported. Some fire codes were enacted after the building was erected.

The plant is located on the 4400 block of Cherry Street.