Walmart Plainfield fire: Company says fire department response made blaze worse

Sarah Nelson
Indianapolis Star
Sept. 22, 2022

Walmart representatives have sent tort claim notices to area fire departments and city officials seeking millions in damages after the massive fire at the retail giant’s former fulfillment center in Plainfield.

In a notice sent to Plainfield Fire Territory, attorneys claim the department's orders to shut down the sprinkler system during the mammoth blaze made the fire worse. The attorneys further said the facility’s doors were opened before the fire was extinguished, ushering in oxygen that fed the flames.

"We are taking steps as required under Indiana law to preserve our rights during the ongoing investigation," said Randy Hargrove, a Walmart spokesman.

Damage from the fire on March 16 forced the 1.2-million square foot facility to permanently shut down. The blaze from the warehouse, at 9590 Allpoints Parkway, sent plumes of smoke so high satellite imagery detected it. One firefighter who suffered minor injuries while assisting in the response was treated and released at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

[...]