Winston-Salem City Council passes measure to reimburse Weaver fire evacuees

Winston-Salem residents affected by last month's Winston Weaver fertilizer plant fire may soon be able to recoup some of their evacuation expenses. 

The Winston-Salem City Council unanimously approved Monday a measure to provide up to $1,000 to residents affected by the days-long evacuation. 

Applicants must either live within a one-mile radius of the plant or work at a business in that zone that closed because of the fire. They must also fall within low to moderate-income levels, as defined by federal guidelines. Reimbursable expenses include hotel costs, food, and lost wages. 

Applicants are required to provide documentation of their expenses. If they are unable to, they still may still be eligible to receive up to $300 if they fill out a self-certification form. 

Councilmember Jeff MacIntosh says the city should try to recoup the $1 million they've set aside for the program. 

“​​I do just want to make sure that we use everything in our power to both ask and plead and beg the state government to help us out here, as their lack of regulations were one of the reasons that this event happened.”

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. 

There's no word yet on when the application period will open.