Food truck fire sends smoke across Wake Forest–North Carolina State stadium; play continues
Flames from a concourse food truck at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium created plumes of smoke during the first quarter of the rivalry game; no evacuation was ordered and NC State rallied to win 34-24.
A food truck on the outer concourse of Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium caught fire during Wake Forest's home rivalry game against North Carolina State on Thursday, sending plumes of smoke across the stadium while play continued and no evacuation was ordered.
ESPN broadcast cameras showed giant flames inside the vehicle and a worker using a fire extinguisher as smoke rolled over the crowd in Winston-Salem during the first quarter. The truck was identified as being owned by Choc's Barbeque Co. and Southern Catering. Stadium officials did not immediately report any injuries and it was not clear from the broadcast what became of the truck or the worker.
The smoke began to appear while Wake Forest held a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Play was not halted, and stadium staff did not clear the stands. The incident drew visible concern from some fans and commentators but did not stop the game from continuing.
On the field, Wake Forest opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and at one point led 24-14. North Carolina State then scored 20 unanswered points to complete a 34-24 comeback victory, handing Wake Forest a loss in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener.
The Demon Deacons are scheduled to host Georgia Tech next week, while North Carolina State improves to 3-0 and will travel to face Duke in Durham.
Stadium safety protocols typically assign initial response to venue staff and local fire authorities; in this case, stadium personnel were seen on camera near the concourse as the fire was fought. Officials did not announce an evacuation or provide additional public safety details during the broadcast. Team and stadium representatives had not issued public statements about the incident by the end of the game.
The game served as the latest chapter in the rivalry between Wake Forest and North Carolina State, but the midgame equipment fire on the concourse drew national attention because it momentarily affected visibility in the seating bowl and was captured live on television. Broadcasters continued coverage while replaying footage of the burning truck and the on-site response.
Further information about the cause of the fire, the condition of any workers at the truck and any follow-up inspections or citations will depend on statements from stadium officials and local fire authorities, which had not been released as of the game's conclusion.