BRANDON — The Brandon Walmart remained closed Friday after an arsonist set blaze to a display of Adirondack chairs at the front of the store and the flames spread to the building.
“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,” Walmart corporate affairs manager Felicia Fefer said Friday.
Brandon Fire and Emergency Services sent a crew of 10 members to the Walmart in the Corral Centre around 12:30 a.m. The blaze was extinguished by 4 a.m.
Photos by Matt Goerzen / The Brandon Sun
Scorched glass doors and burnt rubble mark the entrance of Brandon’s Walmart shopping centre at the Corral Centre on Friday.
Fire captain Rob Brown said no injuries were reported.
He said most of the damage was to the front entrance and there was significant smoke and water damage inside.
Brandon Police Service public information officer Janet Reichert said it’s believed a lighter was used to set the chairs on fire.
No arrests had been made.
Fefer did not say when the store would reopen.
“The store is currently closed as we carry out the necessary cleanup and repairs resulting from the arson,” she said. “The store will reopen 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.”
Fefer did not say whether the store had video surveillance of the incident but said the company is “co-operating fully with the police investigation.”
Crews begin work to clean up after the deliberately set fire.
Asked whether employees will be compensated while the store is closed, she said: “Walmart will support our associates while the store is closed.”
An employee at the store said its pharmacy services are being run through the Portage la Prairie location and can be reached by calling 431-210-2026.
— Brandon Sun