HARRISONBURG VA: (Rocktown Now) — An early-morning fire caused damage to the Walmart on Burgess Road on Monday, prompting a large emergency response and leading officials to urge residents to avoid the area as crews continue working at the scene. According to Harrisonburg Communications Director Michael Parks, the Harrisonburg Fire Department responded to the store after receiving an emergency call at approximately 4:13 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the building was already filling with smoke. Walmart staff and customers inside the store were evacuated, and no injuries have been reported.
Although the fire was successfully marked under control, Parks said the building still contains “a significant amount of smoke,” and firefighters are expected to remain on-site for several hours as they ventilate the building and assess conditions.
A second alarm was requested at around 4:30 a.m., bringing additional units to assist with extinguishing the fire and ensuring the structure was fully cleared. Numerous fire crews from across the area responded.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire or released an estimate of damages. Parks emphasized that the public should avoid the Walmart parking lot and surrounding area throughout the morning to allow first responders space to work safely and efficiently.