Thousands of Winston-Salem residents and business owners are being invited to join a class-action lawsuit against the Winston Weaver Company, following a fire that forced mass evacuations near its North Cherry Street fertilizer plant.
This week, postcards were mailed to more than 6,500 homes and businesses located within a one-mile radius of the now-demolished facility. That same area was asked to evacuate during the January 2022 blaze, after emergency crews discovered more than 600 tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate on the site.
The lawsuit claims the Winston Weaver Company was negligent in failing to prevent the blaze.
Residents and businesses who fall within the affected area are automatically included in the class. Only those who wish to opt out must send written notice by August 25 – that preserves their right to sue the company individually.
The trial is scheduled to begin September 2.