Wichita Falls fire and police personnel were called to the Walmart on Greenbriar on Tuesday evening following a malfunction in a rotisserie chicken warmer that caused a short in the electrical cord. The incident led to a temporary evacuation of the store while authorities responded.
Fire and Police Respond to Malfunction at Walmart
At around 7:15 p.m., Wichita Falls Fire Marshal Craig Berend reported that the malfunctioning rotisserie chicken warmer created a hazardous situation when the 230VAC cord began arcing.
Employees at the store attempted to handle the situation by using a fire extinguisher, but the fire department was called in for further assistance.
Upon arrival, firefighters disconnected power to the machine and used Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans to expel the smoke from the area. No fires were reported, and no injuries occurred during the incident.
Evacuations and Food Disposal
As a precaution, both employees and shoppers were temporarily evacuated from the store. Fire Marshal Berend confirmed that due to the residue left by the fire extinguisher, a significant amount of food inventory in the vicinity would need to be discarded.
The Wichita Falls Health Department arrived on the scene to assist with the removal of the affected food.
Equipment Damage and Store Reopening
The equipment damage caused by the malfunction was estimated at $500.00. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the store was able to reopen after the cleanup and ventilation process was completed.
Community Response and Safety Measures
This incident highlights the importance of quick action and safety protocols in preventing potentially dangerous situations in public spaces. Wichita Falls fire and police personnel were able to address the situation swiftly, ensuring the safety of shoppers and employees.
