Target store in Vallejo temporarily closed due to arson

VALLEJO, Calif. - A Target in Vallejo is closed after someone started a fire inside the store.

Video on social media showed the flames and employees running by on Saturday at about 3 p.m.

Firefighters credited the store’s employees with helping to get everyone out safely.

"That certainly could have saved lives," said Vallejo fire captain Aaron Klauber. "You get lost in a building that size, you’ll run out of air before you find a way out."

Vallejo's fire captain said the fire was reported at the Target on Admiral Callaghan Lane. The fire started in the paper towel aisle. 

Within 13 minutes of being reported, crews had the fire out, but the damage was extensive, and the cost of repairs and lost product has reportedly approached an estimated $1 million.

"We had smoke almost to the ground within that structure, and you’re talking about every single item in that building being affected," said Cpt. Klauber.  

No injuries were reported. 

The Target is one of the few big box stores in the area.

"It’s a big inconvenience, because people gotta feed their kids. They gotta get stuff for work," said customer Daniel Syx. who said his only other real options were "the little Safeways, but really Target has more than Safeway.

"Apparently I’m going to have to go somewhere else," said Dany Martins, another regular customer. "Very much frustrated, yes."

According to Target's website, the store is expected to be back open on Sunday.