The Homewood Walmart closed early Tuesday morning following a fire authorities say was intentionally set in the home goods section.
Homewood Police and Fire Departments responded to Walmart, located at 209 Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood, on a fire call shortly after 10 a.m.
"The store was safely evacuated, and there were no injuries; however, there was extensive damage inside the store. During the investigation, it became apparent that the fire was intentionally set by several suspects, which left the scene before police arrival," Sergeant Mark Trippe from the Homewood Police Department said in a statement.
Homewood Police Department detectives and crime scene investigators processed the scene and are investigating the incident as arson.
The store posted to their Facebook page, "Attention Walmart shoppers, due to damage to the store, we are unfortunately closed for the foreseeable future. We will keep the community posted to our upcoming reopening date! We apologize for the inconvenience. All prescriptions can be transferred to surrounding Walmarts. We look forward to serving you again soon."
A fire in August at the same store resulted in the arrest of two Black Lives Matter activists.
Homewood Police Department initially investigated that crime and arrested both individuals shortly after the arson that caused over $130,000 in damages.
A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court in October charged Lillian Jayne Colburn, 26, and Mercutio Terrell Southall, 41, both of Birmingham, with arson and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists in connection with the arson.
The release noted, "An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."
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