The two-alarm fire began on the paper-products aisle shortly after 8 a.m. with flames nearly reaching the ceiling, said a store employee who asked not to be identified. A possible suspect was seen running from the area and out of the store through an emergency exit, the employee said.
The store quickly filled with smoke, while Fresno Fire Department crews arrived within minutes.
Battalion Chief Kirk Wanless said no one was injured and the fire was contained to one aisle with the help of a fire sprinkler inside the store. It took crews about 10 minutes to knock down the fire that started among the toilet paper and paper towel products.
Wanless said the department’s fire investigator was on scene Sunday morning.
The store employee said someone tried tried to light a fire inside the store several months ago but was unsuccessful.
Fire crews remained at the store for several hours, clearing smoke and checking to make sure no one was inside. It was unclear how the fire would affect the store’s hours.
