Category Archives: Retail

Grocery Store / Super Center, Retail

Front Royal, VA – Fire suppression system activated for propane gas leak fire; No injuries reported

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Warren County Fire and Rescue reported the response to the South Street Martins Grocery store yesterday afternoon for a reported fire alarm activation.

Authorities that arrived on scene identified a sprinkler head that was activated and water that was flowing into the building in a utilities control area on the second floor.

It was determined after an investigation that a propane gas leak occurred and ignited.

The fire was extinguished prior to the arrival of authorities by the buildings fire suppression system.

Units successfully secured water and electrical service to the area affected.

Both the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office and Warren County Building Official’s Office conducted an assessment ensuring the safety of the building for continued occupancy.

After two hours the fire suppression system was functional and all hazards were isolated.

There were no injuries to report.

Grocery Store / Super Center, Retail

Harrisonburg, VA – Sprinkler system activated for fire at Walmart; No injuries reported

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A properly functioning fire alarm and sprinkler system contained a serious fire at the Walmart in Harrisonburg early Monday morning, January 19, 2026.

According to a release, Harrisonburg firefighters were called to the Walmart on Burgess Road at approximately 4 AM with what was initially dispatched as an automatic fire alarm. The incident was upgraded by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center when they received a 9-1-1 call from the store reporting a fire in the warehouse area.

Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed the presence of a fire and an activated sprinkler system actively containing the fire. A second-alarm assignment was requested, bringing a total of approximately 40 firefighters to the scene. The fire was contained within 15 minutes and completely extinguished within 30 minutes. Personnel remained on location for an extended period of time clearing smoke from the 207,000-square-foot facility.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental as a result of button-cell (or coin-cell) lithium-ion batteries that ignited inside combustible packaging within a heavy-duty wire framed storage unit.

“The presence of a properly functioning fire sprinkler system contained what could have otherwise been a catastrophic fire,” HFD Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said. “Lithium-Ion batteries, even properly stored, have the potential to fail, causing a fire. As we are seeing globally, these batteries are posing new challenges for firefighters in an ever-evolving technologically driven marketplace. Firefighters did an outstanding job of completing extinguishment, preventing further damage.”

The building was evacuated prior to the arrival of firefighters, and there were no injuries to employees, community members or responders. A damage estimate has not been set while clean-up and recovery efforts are underway. HFD was assisted at the scene by units from Rockingham County Fire Rescue, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, Harrisonburg Police Department and the Merck facility (located in Elkton).

The majority of fire department personnel cleared the scene by 7:30 AM, and the last fire department unit left the scene at approximately 8:45 AM.

Retail, Shopping Mall

Los Angeles, CA – Sprinkler system extinguishes fire at shopping center; No injuries reported

A laundry room caught fire Friday at the Sherman Oaks Galleria but the sprinkler system put it out.

The fire was reported at 2:31 a.m. Friday at the mall at 15301 W. Ventura Blvd. at Sepulveda Boulevard, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart

Arriving firefighters were tasked with ” a significant water removal operation due to the fire sprinklers,” Stewart said.

The laundry room was on the second floor of the mall, she said.

No injuries were reported, Stewart said.

Grocery Store / Super Center, Retail

Woodstock, IL – Sprinkler system activated for fire at Walmart; No injuries reported

A Walmart in Woodstock, Illinois, was closed after a fire inside the store on Wednesday night.

It happened just before 7:30 p.m. at the store located at 1275 Lake Avenue.

The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District said crews responded to reports of a fire inside the store. The store was being evacuated as they arrived.

Firefighters found the fire near the rear of the store, which had already been extinguished by the building’s automatic sprinkler system, fire officials said.

They remained on scene for more than two hours, monitoring conditions and assisting with smoke removal. The Wonder Lake Fire Protection District airboat assisted with ventilating smoke from the store.

No injuries were reported.

The store was closed for the remainder of the evening and remains closed as of Thursday for the New Year holiday.

The incident remains under investigation by the Woodstock Police Department.

Other - Retail, Retail

Stowe, VT – Sprinkler system suppresses fire at retail store

A retail store at Stowe’s Spruce Peak Village was damaged after a fire broke out on Christmas Eve.

Stowe Fire Rescue was dispatched just after 5 p.m. Wednesday after a fire alarm was activated at First Alpine Chair Co. Chief Ed Webster said crews arrived to find smoke and a small fire in the basement of the building that had been largely suppressed by the building’s automatic sprinkler system.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire and ventilate the building. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials believe it is related to improper storage.

Webster said there was limited damage because of the automatic sprinkler system.

Other - Retail, Retail

Fort Frances, ON, Canada – Late night arson fire at tire shop contained by sprinkler system

Rainy River District OPP have a youth offender in custody following an arson investigation that resulted from a late night fire at the Fort Frances Canadian Tire store.

In a post made to their Facebook page early this morning, Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services noted that they responded to the retail store at approximately 11:04 p.m. last night, Thursday, December 18, 2025. OPP officers were already on scene upon arrival at Canadian Tire, and firefighters noted heavy smoke and low visibility when they entered the store.

Canadian Tires’ sprinkler system had activated and contained the fire to a limited area, and firefighters were able to make “a quick interior attack” to bring the fire under control.

A primary and secondary search were performed to ensure no occupants were within the building, and it was subsequently ventilated to help clear hazardous smoke.

Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services noted that firefighters and other first responders faced “extreme cold conditions” during the effort to put out the fire.

As of this morning, the Fort Frances OPP had carriage of the scene to conduct an investigation.

As a result of the investigation, an OPP spokesperson confirmed a 15-year-old youth from Fort Frances has been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Arson – damage to property
  • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
  • Break and enter
  • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm
  • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 – 2 counts
  • Fail to comply with probation order
  • Mischief – destroy or damages property

The accused cannot be identified as they are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services shared that sprinkler systems can make a big difference in local homes and businesses when it comes to protecting from, or lessening, the damage caused by fires to both property and human life.

“Fire protection systems like sprinklers help protect our community, businesses, and first responders,” Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Services said in their post.

”Thanks to all responding agencies for their coordinated efforts.”

The OPP said members of the Fort Frances Crime Unit continue to investigate alongside the Office of the Fire Marshal.

Retail, Shopping Mall

Chesapeake, VA – Sprinkler system activated for small fire inside mall; No injuries reported

A small fire inside Greenbrier Mall prompted a full evacuation Tuesday afternoon, after multiple 911 callers reported flames inside a second-floor retail store.

Chesapeake Fire Department units were dispatched at 12:56 p.m. for an initial commercial fire alarm. The call was quickly upgraded to a commercial structure fire when dispatchers received additional reports of an active blaze inside the mall.

Firefighters from Engine 14 arrived to find a small fire burning inside Rootz, a retail store on the mall’s upper level. According to officials, the store’s automatic sprinkler system activated and successfully controlled the fire before firefighters reached the scene.

The mall was immediately evacuated, and power was shut off to the impacted areas as crews worked to ensure the flames were fully out. No injuries were reported.

The affected store sustained minor smoke and water damage, while several areas on the first floor, directly below the fire, also experienced water damage from the sprinklers. Light smoke spread into the main body of the mall, prompting ongoing ventilation efforts. Norfolk Fire & Rescue assisted with its LUF60, a high-capacity ventilation fan designed for large buildings.

Greenbrier Mall will remain closed for the rest of Tuesday, though its anchor stores are allowed to stay open. Mall officials expect to resume normal operating hours on Wednesday morning, pending any updates that will be shared on the mall’s website and social media channels.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental.

Department Store, Retail

Collins, MS – Sprinkler system activated for overnight fire at commercial business; No injuries reported

A fire at Shirley’s of Collins early Monday morning was quickly contained, and no injuries were reported, authorities said.

Collins Fire Department units responded at approximately 3:55 a.m. to a commercial fire alarm at 3450 Highway 49 Frontage Road, where smoke and water flow alarms had been triggered. Firefighters found moderate smoke inside the building and gained entry through the front door.

The fire was located in a display area near the floral section at the back of the store. The building’s fire sprinkler system had activated, helping to suppress the flames. Crews extinguished the fire, deactivated the sprinklers to limit water damage, and ventilated the building to remove remaining smoke.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical short in an extension cord used in a Christmas display. Only a small area was affected, and just two sprinkler heads activated.

Shirley’s management is working to clean up and restore the store, with plans to reopen early next week.

Grocery Store / Super Center, Retail

Hillsdale, NJ – Fire at bakery contained by sprinkler system

A fire that broke out early Saturday morning in the bakery area of the Hillsdale ShopRite was quickly contained by the store’s sprinkler system, preventing what officials say could have been extensive damage.

According to a report from ex-chief Dan Schuster, the Hillsdale Fire Department received a 911 call at 1:37 a.m. from an employee reporting the fire. A Battalion 7 Box Alarm was transmitted, adding mutual aid from River Vale, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake fire departments, along with a Hillsdale ambulance.

Hillsdale 27 Car 2 arrived shortly after dispatch and confirmed an active fire being held in check by the sprinkler system. The crew from 27 Engine 1 established a water supply and stretched a 2.5-inch line into the building. Firefighters quickly knocked down the blaze and confirmed no extension beyond the immediate contents and hood system.

Due to the size of the store, mutual aid companies assisted with a lengthy ventilation operation. Chief Farrell held command throughout. Fire crews were on scene for approximately 75 minutes.

The fire marshal is investigating the cause, which is not believed to be suspicious. The Bergen County Board of Health also responded.

According to Shuster: Units on scene: 27 Car 1, 27 Car 2, 27 Engine 1, 27 Truck. Mutual aid: River Vale FD, Westwood FD, Woodcliff Lake FD, Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service

News of the quick stop prompted an outpouring of appreciation on social media.

“Thank you, and well done!” wrote councilman, and former mayor, John Ruocco.

Several commenters praised both firefighters and the employee who phoned in the alarm. “Great job fire department… and great job to the employee for saving the bakery,” wrote Edward Murtagh. “He’s a hero.”

Others echoed thanks: “Once again, great job! Thank you,” wrote Jojo Connellan. “Thanks again for your dedication boys! God bless,” added Joe Dargan.

“Great stop,” wrote Thomas Simpson, while others noted hearing the response in the early hours.

One commenter, with a bit of levity, quipped: “Fire sale on bread and muffins. They come pre-toasted.”

Retail, Shopping Mall

Hackensack, NJ – Sprinkler system activated for fire at mall

A mall in Bergen County has reopened after suffering a fire on Saturday morning, firefighters said.

The Hackensack Fire Department received a report of a fire alarm and smoke at the Riverside Square Mall around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, they said.

The first firefighters on the scene, along with mall security, found a fire in the rear of the Free People clothing store, said the Department in a statement.

The First Platoon searched the area, extinguished hotspots, and brought the blaze under control, the department said.

Adjacent stores had water and smoke damage, the Fire Department said.

Officials and building management were able to restore the building’s fire alarm and sprinkler system so the mall, located on Hackensack Avenue, could reopen later on Saturday.

The fire is under investigation, but does not appear to be suspicious, officials said.