Updated: 7:50 am EDT, Sept. 6, 2023
Terrified shoppers were forced to flee after a Target store’s children’s clothing department caught fire.
In shocking video captured by a shopper, we see the fire burning to the ceiling of the Buena Park, California store.
Flames engulfed a display of children’s clothing as the panicked shopper ran through the store and filmed what he saw.
Among the fleeing buyers was Guillermo Santander, who was traveling with his daughter.
He told ABC 7 Eyewitness News it was a small flame when he entered but suddenly grew larger.
He said, “We thought it was a Halloween prop.” But as we got closer, we heard a pop, which was due to the sprinkler system going off. Suddenly the flame increased.’
In shocking video captured by a shopper, we see the fire burning to the ceiling of the Buena Park, California store
A male voice in the clip says, “The clothes are on fire, someone probably set them on fire.”
After a clothes rack burned out, the fire quickly grew and spread to other items.
The video, originally posted to X by Drone Daddy News, also shows an employee desperately trying to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
The incident reportedly happened just after 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Target at Orangethorpe and Western Avenue ABC 7 Eyewitness News.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the fire service confirmed that the store’s sprinkler system was deployed.
When firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority arrived at the scene, the fire was already out.
However, according to OCFA Battalion Chief Erik Miranda, the store was still filled with a smoky haze.
The video also shows an employee desperately trying to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher
Luckily nobody was hurt, but many of the children’s clothes were damaged.
The clip went viral on social media, with people praising the staff’s response.
One viewer said, “He needs a raise.” Just saved the whole huge warehouse.
Another added: “He must have watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to become a firefighter.”
