Fire at Winnipeg Walmart results in over $10M in damage, arson charges: police

The Walmart at Winnipeg's St. Vital Centre is closed indefinitely following a Monday night fire.

A 47-year-old man has been charged with arson following a fire at a Winnipeg Walmart that resulted in millions of dollars’ worth of damage Monday night.

According to police, the incident happened shortly before 7 p.m. in the St. Vital Walmart. They allege a man set a fire in the bedding product section of the store, which quickly spread and sent thick black smoke through the store.

Police allege the suspect went to an attached restaurant, had a soft drink and sat down at one of the tables before the store was evacuated.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to the scene and helped extinguish the fire.

Damage is estimated at over $10 million. The store remains closed to the public.

Police started investigating and identified a suspect. He was arrested in the 300 block of Furby Street on Thursday. Police seized a small amount of methamphetamine and a lighter during the arrest.

The suspect has been charged with arson with disregard for human life, arson causing property damage, possession of incendiary material, theft under $5,000, possession of a controlled substance and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

He was detained in custody and the charges have not been proven in court.

According to court records, the suspect previously pled guilty in July 2025 in connection with an arson earlier that year.