Food truck fire sends smoke into Allegacy Stadium during Wake Forest–NC State game
Smoke from a nearby Choc’s Barbeque trailer billowed into the stadium during the first quarter, but play continued as crews worked to control the blaze.
Smoke from a food truck behind Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium filled the stands and field during Thursday night’s game between Wake Forest and NC State, though play continued while the blaze was being addressed.
Television cameras on the ESPN broadcast showed flames inside the truck and a chef attempting to extinguish the fire late in the first quarter. Announcers said smoke had drifted into the stadium and that the situation appeared to be improving after a few minutes, with no interruption to the game.
Play resumed uninterrupted as stadium staff and on-scene responders worked to contain the fire, which belonged to Choc’s Barbeque & Southern Catering, a small barbecue food trailer serving the Carolinas. Broadcasters Matt Barrie and Tom Luginbill described thick smoke on the field and in seating areas; Barrie said, “There’s actually a food truck behind the stadium. Right here you see the flames on it that’s causing the smoke and the fire.” Luginbill added, “This is a first.”
Wake Forest opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by freshman Chris Barnes, providing an early highlight even as the smoky conditions unfolded. The incident occurred late in the first quarter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Social posts from attendees and outlets noted the visible haze in the bowl. Barstool Sports posted images on X showing smoke filling the stadium, and broadcasters on ESPN reported that the situation was “somewhat getting under control” after a short period.
Demon Deacons coach Jake Dickert had urged his team to bring intensity before the game, saying via The Sporting News that the program was focused on improving and that those who returned to practice were ready to get back to work. The fire did not prompt a stoppage or an evacuation, and officials did not report injuries related to the incident during the game broadcast.
Game officials and stadium personnel managed the situation as play continued. Further updates on any investigation into the cause of the fire or damage to the food truck were not immediately available during the broadcast.