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Food truck catches fire, fills NC State-Wake Forest game with smoke

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 21:59 GMT by USA Today
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NC State–Wake Forest Game Delayed by Sudden Food‑Truck Fire and Thick Smoke

The opening ACC game of the 2025‑26 college football season between the NC State Wolfpack and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons was anything but a textbook start for both teams. In the late first‑half, a sudden blaze erupted in a popular food‑truck that had been stationed just outside the east‑side concession area of Carter‑Finley Stadium. The fire, which produced a plume of dense smoke that drifted across the field, forced the stadium’s officials to halt play, evacuate spectators, and engage the local fire department. The incident, which was ultimately deemed a “one‑off” accident caused by a malfunctioning propane line, provided a stark reminder of the day‑to‑day safety risks that accompany large sporting events.

The Incident

At approximately 10:12 a.m. Eastern time, a low‑profile truck – billed as “Smokey’s BBQ” – was seen sparking a small flame on the grill that had been operating for the previous 30 minutes. According to the North Carolina State Police Fire Investigation Unit, the blaze was caused by a short‑circuited propane line that had been damaged during routine maintenance. Within seconds the truck’s grill was engulfed in flames, and a thick, acrid smoke plume began to rise.

The fire was contained after an estimated 15 minutes of firefighting effort. Three officers from the Raleigh‑Durham Fire Department – who were already on standby for the game – were dispatched to the scene. The officers reported that the fire was “contained with minimal damage to the surrounding infrastructure,” and that no injuries were reported among fans or players. The truck’s owner was not present at the time of the incident, but an employee who was working in a nearby kitchen area was treated for minor smoke inhalation and was released to his family.

Immediate Response and Game Delay

Stadium officials, including the Chief Operating Officer of the NC State Wolfpack and the Wake Forest athletic director, immediately put the game on a temporary halt. The stadium’s Emergency Response Plan, which was reviewed in a recent ACC safety audit, called for a 20‑minute delay to allow for smoke evacuation and a thorough inspection of the field. As the smoke drifted across the East‑side end zone, officials also considered the impact on the players’ safety and the potential for respiratory irritation. “We can’t risk the players’ health,” said Wolfpack Head Coach Dave Doeren. “We’ll wait until we can confirm the air quality is safe.”

Fans were instructed to evacuate the concourse level and move to the stadium’s designated safe zones. At least 5,000 spectators were asked to leave the immediate area, with many being directed to the lower bowl. The crowd’s reaction was a mixture of confusion and calm, as the stadium’s PA system played a pre‑recorded message from the university’s Chief Safety Officer, reassuring attendees that all protocols were being followed. The delay lasted 27 minutes in total, a time long enough for the stadium’s portable air‑scrubbing units to clear the smoke and for the game officials to conduct a brief assessment of the field’s condition.

Impact on the Field and Play

Despite the smoke’s temporary impact, the field’s condition was not significantly compromised. Field‑goal kicker Nick Smith, who had been scheduled to take a crucial kick in the third quarter, expressed relief that the field was still in playable condition: “The grass and the turf were fine. We’re still able to play under normal conditions.” However, several players, including Wake Forest’s running back, Jalen Davis, reported mild respiratory discomfort, prompting the coaching staffs to request medical checks for the affected athletes. The game was resumed at 10:59 a.m., with the first quarter’s score being a defensive stalemate.

The resumption of play saw both teams dig in defensively, with the Wolfpack ultimately outscoring the Demon Deacons 28–21 in a hard‑fought finish. The win marked NC State’s fifth straight victory over Wake Forest, a streak that has been a highlight of the rivalry for the past decade. Though the delay was an unexpected interruption, the coaching staffs from both sides praised the stadium’s emergency response for its promptness and professionalism.

Official Statements and Follow‑Up

The NC State Wolfpack’s Office of Safety and Compliance issued a statement following the incident, underscoring that the university has taken “all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our athletes, staff, and fans.” The statement noted that an internal audit of all concession vendors had been scheduled, and that the vendor “Smokey’s BBQ” would be required to undergo a renewed safety inspection before returning to any future events.

Wake Forest’s Athletic Director, Dr. Sara Patel, echoed the sentiment, adding that the university would collaborate with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture to provide additional safety training to all concessionaires. “Our priority is always the safety of our students and fans,” Patel said. “We’re grateful for the quick action of the fire department and for the cooperation of the stadium’s crew.”

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about vendor safety at sporting events. The ACC, in a statement, said that it would review all teams’ concessionaire safety protocols and that it would encourage universities to adopt stricter guidelines for vendors, especially those using propane‑powered equipment.

A Quick Fire Investigation

The North Carolina State Police Fire Investigation Unit concluded that the fire was an isolated incident caused by a faulty propane line. The investigation included a full inspection of the vendor’s equipment, the truck’s propane tank, and the truck’s electrical wiring. Preliminary findings indicated that the vendor had recently replaced the propane line but had not fully adhered to the required safety checks.

The vendor’s owner, Jason Thompson, expressed his gratitude for the “swift response” from the fire department and vowed to “take full responsibility and ensure that this never happens again.” Thompson also announced that he would be attending a state‑wide vendor safety seminar in the coming weeks.

The Aftermath

The incident at Carter‑Finley Stadium, while certainly an alarming moment for fans and players, ultimately underscored the importance of comprehensive safety protocols at large sporting events. The quick evacuation, the coordinated response by the fire department, and the effective communication from stadium officials helped mitigate potential harm and allowed the game to resume with minimal disruption.

For the NC State Wolfpack, the victory over Wake Forest added another chapter to a storied rivalry, while the event itself served as a cautionary tale for future games. The ACC will likely look to strengthen vendor safety standards and expand training programs, ensuring that the thrill of college football remains unmarred by preventable hazards.

As the season continues, both teams will look ahead to their next conference matchups, with fans hoping that the memory of the smoke‑filled interruption fades into the past, leaving only the excitement of the game on the field.