May 15--Fire crews had to close the Walmart superstore in Lebanon after responding to a fire inside the store Tuesday afternoon.
The fire, which started in an aisle where pool-cleaning chemicals were stored, created toxic smoke. Several nearby businesses had to be evacuated as well.
There were no reported injuries. Lebanon Fire District Battalion Chief Nick Tyler said they still have not identified a cause, and as of about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, fire personnel were still at the site investigating.
According to a news release from Lebanon Fire District, around 12:45 p.m., crews responded to reports of a fire and saw smoke coming from the building and people evacuating the store.
The smoke was thick enough that crews had to use a thermal imaging camera to find the fire. Crews said the store's sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading too far, and they were able to put it out.
Several businesses to the north of the store were evacuated because of the smoke, and a few city streets were closed to protect residents from the smoke.
The chemical smoke filled the store, and it took crews an hour to clear the smoke and begin investigating the fire. A hazardous materials team also assisted at the scene.
Walmart Lebanon posted on Facebook that the store would remain closed and would announce when it would reopen later.
--Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; [email protected]; @JRamakrishnanOR
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