Arson Suspected in Walmart Fire in Vegreville

Arson Suspected in Walmart Fire in Vegreville

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

There was a fire at Vegreville Walmart on June 5 at 5:34 p.m.

Vegreville Fire Department Chief Chris Jardine said, “The Vegreville Fire Department (VFD) responded to the Vegreville Walmart for a report of a fire inside their store. Upon arrival, staff and customers were out of the building. The fire was located in the northeast corner of the store, in the seasonal section. Prior to VFD arrival, store employees attempted to extinguish the fire with nearby fire extinguishers.

Fire crews extinguished the fire and began venting the smoke from the building.

A few people were treated by EMS for issues from the fire and one person was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for non-life threatening condition.

The fire is being investigated and a cause has not been determined at this time,” Jardine said.

Fire inside Walmart in Vegreville on June 5.

(Photo courtesy News Advertiser reader via Facebook post)

Walmart Manager of Corporate Affairs Felicia Fefer stated, “The safety of our associates and customers is a top priority.

Yesterday evening, emergency services attended to an intentionally set fire at our Vegreville store. Thankfully, all associates and customers are safe. We want to acknowledge all first responders who attended the fire.

This appears to be a criminal act of arson that will unfortunately and unfairly impact our customers, associates and the local community who rely on the store. Setting a fire in a public setting with hundreds of people inside is shocking, dangerous and shameful.

Walmart main entrance.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

Rest assured, we are cooperating fully with the police investigation and will do everything we can to ensure the arsonist is identified and held accountable.

The store is currently closed as we carry out the necessary clean-up and repairs resulting from the arson.

The store will re-open as soon as possible while we work with officials to ensure the store is safe and up to the standards our customers expect and deserve.

Walmart will support our associates while the store is closed. They will be paid for their scheduled shifts.

For any additional questions, please contact local police as they lead the investigation. We encourage anyone with information about the identity of the arsonist to contact police.”