Walmart evacuated after smoke from freezer motor prompts fire response
October 5, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Shoppers were evacuated from the Walmart on Garrison Road on Sunday afternoon.
Smoke originating from a faulty freezer motor resulted in the activation of the fire alarm, according to the Fort Erie Fire Department. Just before 3 p.m., firefighters responded.
The Fort Erie Fire Department arrived on scene just before 3 p.m. Sunday. Credit: Jeremy Overholt | Facebook“The first arriving crew investigated the area of origin for the alarm,” Fire Chief Mark Schmitt said in an emailed statement to Fort Erie Radio Sunday afternoon. “Once in the area, they discovered smoke and upgraded the alarm for a full structure fire response.”
After locating and identifying the issue, firefighters shut off power to the faulty freezer.
The area was cooled and the fire department remained on the scene ventilating the building.
Fort Erie Radio spoke with a member of the Walmart management team early Sunday evening, but he declined to comment on the incident.
The store resumed regular operations following the all-clear from the fire department and no injuries were reported.
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Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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