Walmart fire caused damage estimated at ‘several million dollars,’ says VPD

Vancouver’s only Walmart has been closed since Saturday after a fire was set inside the store, and police are saying damages are estimated to be “several million dollars.”

Both the company and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) say the blaze appears to have been intentionally set.

“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 said in a statement sent to CityNews.

“Setting a fire in a public setting is shocking, dangerous, and shameful.”

The company went on to say it is cooperating fully with the police as they conduct an investigation into the fire.

“We will do everything we can to ensure the arsonist is identified and held accountable, including assessing our legal options to seek compensation from the arsonist for the damages caused by this act,” Walmart said.

Vancouver Fire Rescue acting assistant fire chief Ryan Cameron says the fire started on some furniture in the middle of the store.

“The managers evacuated everyone, including the employees,” he said.

“Crews went inside difficult conditions, because of the heavy smoke encountered, found the seat of the fire, and efforts to get it out, due to visibility, were tough.”

The store received significant water and smoke damage, he says.

No injuries were reported, both Cameron and the store have confirmed.

“The staff did a great job getting everyone out in a timely manner,” Cameron said.

“It made our job easier when we arrived on scene.”

Walmart says the location will remain closed as cleanup and repairs are carried out.

“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,” it said.

“Walmart will support our associates while the store is closed.”

The VPD is asking anyone with any information to get in touch.

“We urge anyone who witnessed anything unusual in the store around the time of the fire to contact investigators immediately,” said Const. Tania Visintin.

“Detectives from VPD’s Major Crime Section is working together with Vancouver Fire investigators to determine what circumstances led up to the fire.”

With files from Cole Schisler.