Central ND News

The Bismarck Fire Department swiftly responded to a fire incident at a Petco store on the south side of Bismarck on April 28, 2025. The fire call was made at approximately 7:39 AM, reporting a refrigerator fire located at 525 S 5th St.

Upon arrival at 7:43 AM, firefighters observed light smoke emerging from the entrance of the building. Employees at the scene informed the fire department that the fire originated from a refrigerator at the back of the store and confirmed the safe evacuation of all individuals present.

Firefighters encountered medium smoke conditions inside the building without considerable heat. They swiftly located the refrigerator on fire at the rear. Notably, the store's sprinkler system had already activated, effectively extinguishing the majority of the fire. Firefighters used an extinguisher to put out the remaining smoldering items. Subsequently, further checks ensured the store was unoccupied and the animals in the cages were safe. The team ventilated the building to clear it of smoke following the fire's containment.

There were no reports of injuries among firefighters, employees, or animals. The fire damage was circumscribed to the refrigerator and its immediate surroundings, with minor smoke damage reported throughout the store. An investigation revealed that the fire was accidental.

"The building's fire sprinkler system is credited with automatically extinguishing the fire and minimizing fire damage and potential loss of property," stated a spokesperson for the fire department. The National Fire Protection Association supports the effectiveness of fire sprinkler systems, highlighting that 97% of fires in such buildings are contained to the room of origin, lessening possible fire damage by up to 90%.