Voluntary evacuations requested for some areas of off-campus housing

Because of a fire at 4440 N. Cherry Street, the Winston-Salem Fire Department is asking for voluntary evacuations by residents within a one-mile radius of that address. That includes off-campus housing north of Polo Road between Cherry Street and Long Drive. (See image of one-mile radius.) On-campus housing is not included in the evacuation.

Any faculty, staff or students in the area who can evacuate should do so. If possible, stay with friends or family who are outside the one-mile radius. The University is currently working on long-term plans for those who do not have an alternative place to go, and those plans will be communicated as soon as possible.

Campus buildings that are currently open include the Wellbeing Center, Benson University Center and ZSR Library. You may wish to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and/or blanket to be comfortable if the evacuation lasts more than a short time. You may consider taking the necessary personal belongings needed for several hours should the evacuation remain in place.

Motorists are also advised to avoid driving in this area.

Students on campus or living outside of the one-mile radius are encouraged to stay indoors and keep their windows closed.

The best source of information about the fire is the official Twitter page for the Winston-Salem Fire Department: @cityofwsfire.