Blaze set in Phoenix Walmart fireworks aisle, police searching for suspects
Jun 16, 2016, 12:28 PM | Updated: 8:31 pm
PHOENIX — Police are searching for several people who allegedly set the fireworks aisle of a Phoenix Walmart ablaze on Wednesday.
“It was a dangerous fire,” Phoenix Fire Capt. Rob McDade said. “It’s dangerous whether you’re doing it as a prank or if you’ve got an ax to grind with somebody. You’ve got a grocery store filled with children, adults, people that are working there.”
The Phoenix Fire Department said the suspects set fire just before 8:30 p.m. at the Walmart near Indian School Road and 51st Avenue.
Though the fire was contained, officials said the entire store sustained extensive smoke and water damage.
The fire was halted before it spread to a nearby aisle that contained propane tanks and lighter fluid.
A few workers were treated at the scene for respiratory issues, but none were taken to the hospital.
McDade said a few possible suspects were caught on camera.
“On the security cameras, we saw what appeared to be three young adults who were right in the area where the fire started and made their way out of the door,” he said.
Anyone with information on the fire or suspects is asked to call either the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.