Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A fire at a Columbia Walmart has caused $6 million in damage to the store, according to Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins.
The problem began a little after 8 p.m. at the location along Garners Ferry Road. As a precaution, people were told to leave the store.
Jenkins says actual damage to the store is about $5,000, but he said that Walmart told him that all of the inventory in the store will have to be replaced because smoke filled the whole building. Jenkins said he was told the estimated damage to the merchandise is about $6 million.
Chief Jenkins has said it will be closed for "a while".
Walmart spokesperson Charles Crowson said that they could not confirm nor deny damage estimate but did confirm a fire occurred and they are working with local officials.
The cause of the fire hasn't been determined, but officials say they consider the fire suspicious and are investigating using the store's surveillance video.
