AVON — Chief David Charest reports that the Avon Fire Department responded to a fire contained within an industrial trash compactor attached to the outside of the Walmart store in Avon, leading to the temporary closure of the store due to smoke that spread into the building.
On Thursday, Feb. 20, at approximately 2 p.m., the Avon Fire Department received multiple 911 calls after several people observed and smelled smoke inside the building at 30 Memorial Drive.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed that the fire was confined to the exterior trash compactor, though smoke had entered both the stockroom and sales floor.
All occupants had already evacuated before firefighters arrived.
Avon firefighters quickly began dousing the smoldering debris inside the compactor. They remained on scene soaking the smoldering contents of the trash compactor throughout the afternoon.
With the help of a tow truck operated by George’s Garage, crews moved the compactor approximately 15 feet away from the building to fully extinguish the remaining smoldering materials.
The store will remain closed for the rest of Thursday as cleanup efforts continue. Walmart officials are working with local environmental officials to assess when the store can safely reopen.
No injuries or cases of smoke inhalation were reported.
Mutual aid was provided at the scene by the Randolph Fire Department.
“Members of the Avon Fire Department quickly responded to this smoldering fire and did a great job of getting it under control, while mitigating the potential for additional smoke damage,” said Fire Chief David Charest. “We want to thank our mutual aid partners from the Randolph Fire Department for their assistance.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Avon Fire Department.
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