On Sunday, January 2nd, 2022, at 5:18 pm, the Turlock Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at Walmart, 2111 Fulkerth Rd, Turlock.

As crews were responding, additional information was received that there was smoke seen in the men’s restroom. The incident was then upgraded to a commercial potential structure which added additional resources.

When crews arrived on scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the men’s restroom and confirmed that there was a fire, which upgraded the incident to a commercial working structure fire, which brought in additional Turlock resources as well as the Modesto Fire Department and American Medical Response.

Crews worked in the offensive strategy to put the fire out. They were able to get it knocked down within a few minutes and keep it contained to the restroom.

American Medical Response responded to the scene to provide firefighter and patient care and the Modesto Fire Department provided city coverage while the incident was on-going.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and remains under investigation, however, it is suspected to be arson as a suspicious person was seen entering and exiting the restroom a few minutes prior to the alarm going off.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119.