Applications for Winston Weaver fire reimbursements open this week

The City of Winston-Salem will begin taking applications this week for low-income residents affected by the Winston Weaver fire. 

The city is taking applications through the nonprofit Experiment in Self-Reliance Inc. on Wednesday at the city's Fairgrounds Home & Garden Building, 421 27th St. People who can't appear in person may apply for aid online.

Residents who live within the 1-mile evacuation zone from the fire are eligible for up to $1,000 in reimbursements for expenses such as hotel bills, meals and lost wages.

Applicants will need to provide proof that they live in the affected area and meet certain income guidelines.

Residents are not eligible if they have already been reimbursed through other organizations providing assistance such as Love Out Loud.

The fire began January 31 in northern Winston-Salem. It burned and smoldered for days, and fire officials feared ammonium nitrate stored at the Winston Weaver fertilizer plant could lead to a massive explosion.