NILES — Authorities believe a fire was started intentionally inside the Niles Walmart clothing department Friday afternoon.
The incident took place at approximately 3:39 p.m. According to Niles Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold, store employees acted quickly and were successfully able to contain the fire. All customers and employees were able to evacuate the store uninjured.
“But smoke filled the store,” Brovold said. “So, it took a few hours to get the smoke to clear.”
Brovold approximated that authorities were on the scene for about three hours. Brovold described the smoke as thick.
“It was light in color, but it was heavy enough that you could see the smoke down at the ground level almost,” Brovold said.
It is not known at this time what the damage cost is. Walmart officials will have to make an evaluation with Michigan Department of Agriculture to determine what merchandise and food can still be sold, Brovold said.
Police are investigating how the fire started and the potential suspect or suspects involved. At this time, Brovold said no arrests had been made.
Responding agencies including Niles City Fire Department, Clay Fire Department and ambulances from SMCAS.
This is a developing story. More information will be released as the investigation continues.