FRANKLIN — A 10-year-old boy from Milwaukee was taken into custody as part of an investigation into a Walmart fire in Franklin on Monday night, according to the Franklin Police Department.
The fire caused extensive smoke damage and merchandise losses estimated at several million dollars, according to a release from the Franklin Fire Department.
Crews responded to the Walmart near 27th Street and Sycamore Avenue just before 9 p.m. Monday, July 14, after reports of a structure fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found store occupants evacuating and heavy smoke throughout the building, according to the fire department.
One shopper, Joshua Hall, who recorded video of the incident said he was in the clothing section when he heard someone scream "fire." Hall said as soon as someone showed up with a fire extinguisher the sprinkler system kicked in.
In a press release, Franklin Fire Department said the automated sprinkler system helped contain the fire's spread before firefighters extinguished it.
"For me, It's concerning how that fire got that large," customer Anthony Tischer told TMJ4.
Watch: 10-year-old in custody after Walmart fire in Franklin causes extensive damage
The store’s automatic fire sprinkler system had activated, which helped control the fire’s spread and limited smoke production. This allowed all customers and employees to evacuate safely, according to the fire department.
No injuries to civilians or first responders were reported.
Tischer's fiancée, Kassandra Helsick, express concern over the situation because she has been seeing videos on social media showing fires allegedly set at other Walmart stores across the country.
"What are these kids getting into," Helsick asked. "It causes panic. Nobody needs that."
While preliminary damage estimates are still being evaluated, fire officials said the smoke damage was extensive throughout the store, resulting in merchandise losses estimated at several million dollars.
Police say the store will remain closed until a full safety assessment and damage evaluation are complete.
According to a Walmart spokesperson, pharmacy customers can pick up prescriptions at the Walmart located at 3355 South 27th Street. The store's Facebook page will provide updates regarding reopening.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Franklin Police Department in conjunction with the Franklin Fire Department.
However, police said arson charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center as a result of the investigation.
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