A dramatic fire broke out inside Vancouver’s only Walmart Supercentre on Saturday morning, with video footage from shoppers capturing the chaotic scene. Flames erupted in the bedding section of the store on Grandview Highway, as seen in social media clips showing customers shouting “Fire!” while an employee urgently warned everyone via the PA system.
The incident occurred shortly after the store’s opening at 7 a.m., which was packed with shoppers at the time, according to Const. Tania Visintin of the Vancouver Police Department.
“The damage is estimated in the millions of dollars, making this a very serious fire. We are grateful that no one from the public was hurt,” Visintin stated.
Currently, the store’s parking lot is cordoned off, and tents have been erected for cleanup and repairs. The Walmart remains closed until further notice.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was intentionally set. “We think some shoppers might have noticed something odd during the incident,” Visintin added. “We urge anyone with information to contact us.”
The police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
