PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. — The Walmart in Peachtree City will be "closed temporarily until further notice," according to the store after a fire ripped through the building Wednesday night.
That fire is now being treated as a case of arson.
Firefighters responded to the Walmart at 2717 Highway 54. Smoke was seen billowing by nearby shopping plazas. As the crews were struggling with water pressure, Peachtree City authorities called Fayette and Peachtree City Water Department to help. Coweta Fire and Fayette Fire also came to assist.
Firefighters got the call around 7:20 p.m. Within two minutes of receiving the 911 call, firefighters were at the Walmart and entered through the back of the store to try to douse the flames.
As crews tried to battle the blaze from inside, parts of the roof started to fall, so they ordered everyone back outside, officials said. They battled the flames outside for several hours.
Three police officers took themselves to a nearby hospital for smoke inhalation after making sure everyone was evacuated inside of the building, officials said. They were treated and later released from Fayette Piedmont Hospital later that night, according to Peachtree City Police Department and Fire Rescue.
Firefighters battled the fire through the night until it was completely extinguished around 4 a.m.
"The store did suffer extensive damage to the interior and roof," officials said. "There is no current timeline on when the store will be reopened."
Fire investigators believe the fire was intentionally set.
"Thankfully, no one was seriously injured because of this fire," Peachtree City Police Department and Fire Rescue said.
Anyone with information about the cause of the fire is asked to contact Sgt. Brad Milstein at bmilstein@peachtree-city.org. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 770-487-6010 or online here.
Photos | Fire at Walmart in Peachtree City
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia.