Fire that closed Campbell River store likely a diversion for theft, police say

The Campbell River Walmart remained closed Friday after a suspicious fire broke out about Thursday night in the paper-products aisle.

Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set as a diversion tactic to enable a “very significant theft” from the store, said Const. Maury Tyre, media relations officer for Campbell River RCMP. Tyre said investigators are not revealing what was taken or its value.

The suspect is described as wearing a grey jacket, black pants, a two-tone, possibly grey and black ball cap and black sneakers with white soles.

The fire was noticed about 10 p.m. and staff was quick to evacuate the store, said Campbell River Fire Department Deputy Chief Kelly Bellefleur.

Staff also deployed a number of extinguishers, keeping the fire small.

“We quickly got a hose into the store and put the fire out,” said Bellefleur. “We spent the next couple of hours working with fans to get the smoke out of the store as quickly as possible.

“There is extensive smoke damage to the business, but fortunately no one was hurt.”

Video evidence and forensic evidence continues to be processed and police hope to release further information in coming days, including suspect photos, Tyre said.

This crime was extremely serious and costly in nature, said Tyre. Nobody was injured as a result of the fire, but this suspect put lives of customers, staff, and fire crews at risk. Really the entire community should wish to see this person brought to justice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221. Walmart Canada says pharmacy patients can have their orders processed at the Walmart in Courtenay until the Campbell River location reopens.