Arson suspected in fire at Walmart in Eufaula; store remains closed

EUFAULA, Alabama (WTVM) – New details have emerged about a fire Saturday night at the Walmart in Eufaula that led to the temporary closure of the store.

Due to the closure, many residents no longer have access to the services of their regular pharmacy.

City officials say the fire was arson. Eufaula Police Chief Danny Christ said there are three suspects, all juveniles, and that the fire is believed to be part of a social media trend. There have been no arrests yet, Christ said.

“Apparently there’s a TikTok challenge out there asking these young people to set fire to Walmarts that are being remodeled,” said Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs.

According to the city administration, the fire broke out in the curtain and sheet department of the store.

Those responsible face serious consequences, the mayor stressed.

“This is a pretty serious crime. There are 170 people in there, so 170 counts of reckless endangerment plus arson,” Tibbs said. “Whether it’s a juvenile or an adult, chances are there’s going to be a serious punishment.”

The closure of the Walmart pharmacy has caused significant inconvenience to many residents.

Teresa Metts, a regular customer, expressed concerns about whether she would be able to find a makeshift pharmacy to fill her prescriptions. Many others now have to drive 20 minutes to the nearest alternative.

“I had to get my medicine,” Metts said. “That’s where I get all my medicine now and I had to find another place to get it. Thank God Buy-Rite will do it for me.”

Walmart employees are working to mitigate the impact of the closure. They plan to allow pickup of pharmacy goods starting Wednesday and aim to reopen the store’s grocery section by Friday.

“I just wish whoever started these fires had never done it. They don’t know how much trouble they’ve caused people,” Metts added.

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