FRANKLIN, WI – A startling incident unfolded at a Walmart in Franklin, where flames erupted in the party supplies aisle, prompting a major cleanup effort. The store remains closed as investigators piece together what led to the fire, which police say was set by a child still in elementary school.
The fire broke out around 9 p.m. on Monday, catching shoppers and staff off guard. A brief video captured by a customer shows how quickly the flames intensified, sending plumes of smoke through the aisles. “I’ve never encountered something like this in a place you wouldn’t expect,” remarked a shocked shopper.
Authorities have taken a ten-year-old boy from Milwaukee into custody. Investigators are still determining how the fire started, but police plan to refer arson charges to the district attorney. The incident has raised questions about how a child could have initiated such a blaze and what tools were used.
The store’s automatic sprinkler system helped contain the fire, although heavy smoke filled the premises. April King, a merchandising contractor at Walmart, confirmed that the party supplies aisle was the fire’s origin. “It’s affecting customers and employees who can’t work,” she noted.
The estimated damage runs into several million dollars. Despite the financial hit, relief is palpable as no one was injured in the incident. The timeline for reopening the store remains uncertain, and Walmart’s corporate office has yet to respond to inquiries.
As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the implications of a child allegedly setting a fire. The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures and the responsibilities of parents and guardians.
The store’s closure has disrupted local shopping routines and left employees uncertain about their work schedules. Many await news on when normal operations might resume, while cleanup efforts are underway.