UPDATE: Criminal arson suspected cause of Walmart fire

UPDATE: Walmart in Fort St. John will re-open on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 7 a.m.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The suspected cause of a fire that took place inside the local Walmart on Monday night is criminal arson, according to a Walmart Canada representative. 

After the fire ignited, the Fort St. John Walmart was forced to evacuate and close, and the fire department attended the scene. The store remains closed at this time.  

Amanda Moss, senior communications manager for Walmart Canada, says the safety of Walmart’s associates and customers is a top priority.

Moss says the fire appears to be a criminal act of arson that unfairly impacts Walmart’s customers, associates and local community who rely on the store.

The communications manager says the company is cooperating fully with the police investigation and will do everything possible to ensure the arsonist is identified and held accountable.

The store will also assess legal options to seek compensation for the damages.

Moss says the store remains closed as associates clean and carry out necessary repairs, and the store will re-open as soon as possible.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the local detachment at 250-787-8140.