17 year old arrested in wake of Sparta Walmart fire

*** MEDIA RELEASE  from Sparta police department.

FIRE AT SPARTA WALMART

This morning at approximately 10:40am the Monroe County 911 Communications Center received several 911 calls reporting a fire inside the Sparta Walmart, located at 1600 West Wisconsin Street in the City of Sparta. The Sparta Fire Department and Sparta Police Department were dispatched to the business where they found an active fire inside. The store was evacuated and the Fire Department worked to extinguish the fire, which was too large for the store’s sprinkler system.

A suspect in the apparent arson was quickly identified. The Sparta Police Department arrested the 17 year-old juvenile who has been booked into the Monroe County Jail on several charges, including Arson and Recklessly Endangering Safety.

The Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting with the investigation at the scene.

Also assisting was the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the 911 Communications Center, the Sparta Street Department, Sparta Area Ambulance, and the Fort McCoy Police Department.

Preliminary estimates are well over 7 million dollars in damage and loss. Walmart will remain closed for at least the next few days.

The Sparta Police Department plans to provide an update on this case later this week.

Original story starts here:
Around 10:45 this morning, the Sparta Area Fire District was paged to the Sparta Walmart for a fire that was reportedly in the craft section of the store.

Fire Chief, Mike Arnold was the first on the scene, with trucks following shortly behind. 

The store was evacuated and fire alarms seemed to be in working order. 

The store seemed to be filled with smoke at around 11:15, when the Herald left the scene.

There were many people standing outside in the parking lot, but can't say for sure if anyone was in the building. 

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has the road to Walmart blocked off.  Please stay away from the area. 

The store will likely be closed for the day.

The Herald will update with any information.