Mayhem in Bay Area retail stores continues as suspect lights rolls of paper towels on fire at Target, causing $1M in damages

A Target in the Bay Area of California has been closed temporarily after a suspected arsonist lit stocked rolls of paper towels on fire over the weekend, adding further mayhem to an area of the state already plagued with retail crime.

Around 3 p.m. on Saturday, firefighters received multiple calls about a fire blazing inside the Target store in Vallejo, California, a city of about 120,000 residents about 30 miles north of Oakland. Cellphone footage captured shelves of paper towel rolls engulfed in flames, setting off the store sprinklers and prompting one employee to deploy a fire extinguisher.

In all, approximately 100 shoppers and employees were evacuated from the building as fire crews got to work. It took them fewer than 15 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

At least one employee reported suffering from minor smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene. The employee declined to go to the hospital for further treatment. Thankfully, there are no other reported injuries.

"A quick and organized response by Target employees can be credited with preventing injuries to store patrons," said Captain Kevin Brown of the Vallejo Fire Department

Store officials then posted a large sign outside, announcing that the store was closed temporarily. Meanwhile, a fire recovery crew began repairing the affected areas inside the store. Teams are also attempting to assess the condition of the inventory. Thus far, officials believe the fire caused nearly $1 million in total damages.

Regular shoppers are disconcerted by the sudden closing of their favorite store. "I hope that they can get the store cleaned up and open to the public," said Teena Miller. "It serves a large community here, and specifically seniors. It's convenient." There are no other Target locations in Vallejo, and the next closest location is about 20 minutes away.

Target has issued a statement about the fire:

On Saturday, our Vallejo store was quickly evacuated after a fire broke out inside the store. We appreciate the Vallejo Fire Department’s fast response and we’re grateful that no one was injured. The store will be closed temporarily during repairs and restocking, and we invite guests to visit our nearby stores in Napa or Pinole for their needs. As the cause of the fire is under investigation, we’ll refer questions to the Vallejo Police Department.

The company has since announced that the store plans to reopen this Sunday.

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