At approximately 7:59 A.M. on Friday, December 13, the Central Dakota Communications Center received a report of fire alarm activation at Walmart Supercenter located at 1400 Skyline Boulevard.  The Bismarck Fire Department was dispatched to investigate.  The first arriving fire crew reported a two story mercantile building with light smoke showing.  The fire crew established command and made contact with Bismarck Police Officers who reported that occupants were evacuating.  The fire crew conducted a scene size-up, and found light smoke coming from the South side of the building in the area of the garden center.  Fire crews pulled fire attack hose lines and went in to investigate. Heavy smoke found in the garden center. Additional fire crews arrived on scene to assist with primary search of the building, establishing water supply, and fire attack.  Fire crews accessed the roof to check for fire spread.  The fire was found in the garden center area, and was extinguished.  Fire crews then ventilated the building of smoke.  Once the fire was extinguished, an overhaul operation was conducted to find any remaining hot spots.  After the overhaul operation was complete, control of the building was returned to the management.

Seven fire department apparatus and 18 fire fighters were dispatched to the scene.  The Bismarck Police Department assisted with scene control and evacuation of the building.  Metro Area Ambulance was on scene to provide medical support.  There were no injuries to any of the occupants. There were no injuries to first responders.  There was fire and smoke damage to the interior of the garden center.  Fire and smoke damage was limited by the activation of the building’s fire sprinkler system.  Early signs have indicated that this may be an incendiary fire.  An investigation is currently being conducted by the Bismarck Police and Fire Departments, to determine the fire cause and origin.