A Walmart store in Clinton, Md., is expected to remain closed Saturday after a fire that began in the paper towel section sent two people to the hospital Friday.
According to the Price George’s County Fire/EMS Department, units were called to the Walmart on the 8700 block of Branch Avenue for a reported structure fire at 2:02 p.m. Friday. Crews could see visible smoke from the roof of the building upon arrival.
“The building was evacuated and searches were negative,” said the fire department.
One civilian – identified by Fox 5 as a male shopper with life-threatening injuries – and one firefighter were transported to a hospital for evaluation. According to ABC 7, officials said the fire was ignited in the paper towel aisle.
Paper ignites at 480 degrees Fahrenheit and it gets far hotter once it’s burning, said Slate.
“The temperature at the center of a paper fire is 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a couple hundred,” said the outlet. “The tips of the flames themselves are usually between 600 and 800 degrees.”
Damage estimates for the Walmart store are estimated at $25,000. ABC 7 said Walmart and emergency response teams plan to meet to determine when the store can reopen.
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