Moment Walmart goes up in flames, 10-year-old arrested
Shocking footage showed a fire rapidly spreading inside a store in Franklin, about 20 minutes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Monday.
Emergency services responded just before 9pm, finding thick smoke billowing from the building.
According to the Franklin Fire Department, the building's auto sprinkler system was activated, helping to control the blaze.
All customers and staff were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
A short video from a Walmart shopper posted on Facebook showed how rapidly the flames grew and engulfed the shelving units and a nearby trolley.
Police have taken a 10-year-old boy from Milwaukee into custody for questioning about the fire. Investigators have not yet revealed how the fire started.
'Arson charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Centre as a result of the investigation,' the Franklin Police Department said.
Officials estimate that the damage to the building is in the millions of dollars and is still being assessed.
'Preliminary damage estimates are still being evaluated, however, extensive smoke damage was noted throughout the structure resulting in the loss of merchandise estimated to be several million dollars,' the Franklin Fire Department stated.
The Walmart's Facebook page also shared an update with its followers, saying: 'Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we will be closed until further notice'.
According to April King, a merchandising contractor at the store, the fire seemed to originate in the party aisle.
'That was like, the party aisle. What's going to set fire there?' Ms King told Fox 6 Milwaukee.
'I was shocked, honestly. Because it's like, you know, I've never seen a random fire like that in a place you wouldn't associate with a fire.
'Customers are impacted and employees at Walmart are impacted because they can't work. So yeah, it is a huge impact to the community, definitely.'
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