Brandon Walmart closed Friday after suspected arson

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Peggy

The Walmart in Brandon, Man., was closed Friday after a fire believed to have been started by an arsonist, the city’s fire department says.

Brandon fire department Deputy Chief Jason Potter said the blaze is still under investigation.

Crews were called to the fire at the Corral Centre, where the Walmart is located, around 12:30 a.m. Friday, and it was quickly extinguished, Potter said.

“It took minutes to extinguish the fire, but our staff were on scene for approximately three and a half hours,” Potter said. “There was some structural damage, but I do believe the majority of the damage of the fire was smoke-related and water-related.”

The flames were contained to the front entrance of the Walmart building and no other buildings were affected by the fire, he said. Fire crews stayed on site to help Walmart staff clear smoke from the building and to ensure the fire was out.

The Brandon Police Service says an investigation found Adirondack chairs at the front entrance of the store were set on fire. The blaze then spread to the building.

Brandon’s fire department and police service continue to investigate, along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner.

In an emailed statement, Walmart told CBC the store is currently closed for cleanup and repairs but will reopen as soon as possible.

Walmart is fully co-operating with the police and fire investigation, a spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said all of the store’s employees are safe, and thanked the emergency personnel who responded to the fire.