Homewood, Alabama, January 4, 2026
A fire intentionally set inside the Homewood Walmart Supercenter has led to the store’s indefinite closure and prompted an ongoing investigation by local authorities. The fire, which occurred on December 30, resulted in significant damage and no reported injuries. This incident marks the second arson at the store in recent months, raising concerns about safety and security. Community members are urged to provide any information regarding the suspects who fled the scene. In unrelated news, a nationwide Walmart settlement continues to distribute payments related to overcharging allegations.
Homewood
Authorities in Homewood are actively seeking suspects following a significant fire that was deliberately set inside the Homewood Walmart Supercenter on Lakeshore Parkway late last month. The incident, which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, has resulted in the indefinite closure of the retail establishment due to extensive damage.
Emergency crews, including the Homewood Fire Department, responded to the fire at approximately 10:00 a.m. on December 30. Upon investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally started in the home goods section of the store. While the store was safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, the interior sustained considerable damage from the fire itself, smoke, and the water from the activated sprinkler system and firefighters’ hoses.
Homewood Police Department detectives and crime scene investigators are currently processing the scene and leading the investigation into the arson. Officials indicated that several suspects left the premises before police arrived. The ongoing nature of the investigation means law enforcement is actively working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destructive act.
Immediate Impact and Community Response
The Homewood Walmart Supercenter remains closed to the public for the foreseeable future, a direct consequence of the extensive damage. The store has informed the community via social media that it will provide updates regarding its reopening date. For customers relying on the in-store pharmacy, all prescriptions can be transferred to other Walmart locations in the vicinity.
This closure marks a significant disruption for local shoppers and employees, especially during the post-holiday season. The incident underscores the severe impact that intentional acts of vandalism and arson have on community resources and daily life. The coordinated efforts of the Homewood Police and Fire Departments were critical in managing the immediate crisis and transitioning into the investigative phase.
Pattern of Arson at Location
This recent fire is not an isolated incident at the Homewood Walmart Supercenter. It marks the second time in recent months that the store has been targeted by arson. A previous intentional fire occurred on August 22, 2025. In that earlier incident, two individuals, Lillian Jayne Colburn, 26, and Mercutio Terrell Southall, 41, both from Birmingham, were arrested and charged with arson and conspiracy. The August fire, which caused over $130,000 in damages, was reportedly linked to a protest related to a Homewood police shooting.
The repeated nature of these incidents raises concerns for local law enforcement and store management regarding security and prevention measures. The ongoing investigation into the latest fire will likely examine any potential connections or patterns with the previous incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the recent arson to come forward to assist in the identification and apprehension of the suspects.
Nationwide Retail Developments
Separately, across the United States, an important ongoing development for consumers is the distribution of payments from a Nationwide class-action settlement involving Walmart. This settlement addresses allegations that Walmart overcharged customers for certain weighted goods and bagged citrus products. The settlement fund, totaling $45 million, is intended to compensate eligible class members who made purchases at Walmart stores in the United States and Puerto Rico between January 1, 2018, and January 19, 2024.
While the deadline for submitting claims was June 5, 2024, the process of distributing payments to approved claimants is continuing into 2026. Individuals who submitted valid claims, particularly those with proof of purchase, may be eligible for compensation. For those whose initial payments were unsuccessful and who timely updated their payment information, a second attempt at distribution is underway. This extensive process aims to provide a fair resolution to the alleged overcharging practices on a Nationwide scale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at the Homewood Walmart Supercenter?
A fire was deliberately set inside the Homewood Walmart Supercenter on Lakeshore Parkway on the morning of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, leading to its indefinite closure.
Were there any injuries from the fire?
No injuries were reported, as the store was safely evacuated.
Is the Homewood Walmart Supercenter open?
No, the Homewood Walmart Supercenter is closed for the foreseeable future due to extensive damage from the fire.
Are police investigating the incident?
Yes, Homewood Police Department detectives and crime scene investigators are actively investigating the incident as arson and are seeking several suspects who left the scene before police arrived.
Has this Walmart location experienced similar incidents before?
Yes, this is the second intentional fire at the Homewood Walmart Supercenter in recent months; an earlier arson occurred on August 22, 2025, for which two individuals were charged.
What is the Nationwide Walmart settlement about?
The Nationwide Walmart settlement addresses allegations that Walmart overcharged customers for certain weighted goods and bagged citrus products, with a $45 million fund for eligible class members.
When were the purchases for the Nationwide settlement relevant?
The Nationwide settlement covers purchases made at Walmart stores in the United States and Puerto Rico between January 1, 2018, and January 19, 2024.
Are payments still being distributed for the Nationwide settlement?
Yes, the distribution of payments to approved claimants for the Nationwide settlement is continuing into 2026.
Key Details Summary
| Feature | Homewood Walmart Fire (State-level) | Nationwide Walmart Settlement (Nationwide) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Event | Deliberately set fire (arson) inside a retail store. | Resolution of a class-action lawsuit regarding alleged overcharging for weighted goods and bagged citrus. |
| Date of Most Recent Incident/Agreement | December 30, 2025. | Settlement Agreement dated November 14, 2022; payout distribution continuing into 2026. |
| Location/Scope | Homewood, Alabama (State-level). | United States and Puerto Rico (Nationwide). |
| Impact | Extensive damage, indefinite closure of the store, police investigation, suspects sought. | $45 million settlement fund for eligible class members, ongoing payment distribution. |
| Injuries Reported | No injuries. | Not applicable. |
| Status | Ongoing police investigation for suspects, store closed. | Payments to approved claimants are being distributed and will continue into 2026. |
| Previous Incidents | Second intentional fire at this location in recent months; another arson occurred on August 22, 2025. | Lawsuit filed in October 2022, covering purchases from January 1, 2018, to January 19, 2024. |
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