Clovis Walmart closed after fire significantly damages building
CLOVIS, N.M. — One of Eastern New Mexico's major retailers will be closed indefinitely after a fire significantly damaged the Walmart here early Sunday morning.
Clovis fire crews were called to Walmart at 3728 N. Prince St. around 3:30 a.m. Sunday for a fire alarm activation, according to a news release from the Clovis Police Department. Police and EMS also responded to the scene.
When firefighters arrived, they reported "the building was ablaze," police said.
"Due to the size of the building and the aggressive nature of the fire, additional fire units from surrounding agencies were requested to assist the Clovis Fire Department," the release reads. Firefighters from Cannon Air Force Base, Melrose, Ranchvale, Pleasant Hill, Texico, Portales and Grady in New Mexico and Farwell and Bovina in Texas assisted with the incident.
The store was closed when the blaze began. All employees were able to evacuate and no injuries were reported in the fire. The fire likely started on the south side of the building near the automotive section and burned for at least three hours, local media reported.
The New Mexico State Fire Marshal's Office has been asked to investigate the fire. The store was closed Sunday and Monday and "may be shut down for a longer period," Clovis officials said.
"The store is currently closed as we work with authorities to assess the damage. We will share additional information on store operations as soon as possible," reads a social media post from Clovis Walmart management. "In the meantime, we’ll continue serving customers at our store on 1604 E Spruce Street in Portales, NM and on Walmart.com."
Officials also noted any prescription medication typically filled at the Clovis Walmart pharmacy will be available at the Portales Walmart pharmacy.
"We’re grateful to the local emergency crews for their quick response, and most importantly, there have been no injuries reported," Walmart said.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Clovis Walmart closed after fire significantly damages building
