SPARTA, WI – A significant fire broke out inside the Sparta Walmart, located at 1600 West Wisconsin Street, yesterday morning at around 10:40 a.m. The Monroe County 911 Communications Center received several calls reporting the incident, prompting immediate response from the Sparta Fire Department and Sparta Police Department.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel encountered an active fire within the store, leading to an urgent evacuation. Despite the presence of a sprinkler system, the fire’s intensity necessitated direct intervention by the fire department to extinguish the flames.
A 17-year-old juvenile was swiftly identified as a suspect in what appears to be a deliberate act of arson. The Sparta Police Department arrested the individual, who has since been booked into the Monroe County Jail. Charges include Arson and Recklessly Endangering Safety.
The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation is actively involved in the investigation at the scene. Additional assistance was provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the 911 Communications Center, the Sparta Street Department, Sparta Area Ambulance, and the Fort McCoy Police Department.
The incident has resulted in preliminary estimates of over $7 million in damages and losses. Consequently, the Walmart store will remain closed for at least the next few days.