Emergency responders were called to the Walmart store on Tampa Road in Oldsmar, Fla., on Wednesday after fire personnel detected high carbon monoxide readings inside the building. The readings came from a monitor used while treating a medical patient, prompting an immediate evacuation of all employees and customers.
Evacuation and response
The Oldsmar Fire Department confirmed that Palm Harbor Fire Rescue (PHFR) led the evacuation and began extensive ventilation operations to clear the facility. Crews used large fans and airboats from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit to introduce fresh air and disperse the gas.
Units from Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, East Lake, Sunstar, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were on scene, working together to ensure the building is safe before anyone returns.
Cause and injuries
Officials have not yet determined what caused the carbon monoxide leak. The incident followed overnight welding operations at the store, but it remains unclear whether the welding was directly linked to the elevated gas levels. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Public safety advisory
PHFR asked residents and motorists to avoid the immediate area around the Walmart while ventilation continues. The agency will provide updates as conditions improve and the building is cleared for re‑entry.
What’s next?
Fire crews will continue to monitor air quality inside the store and will only lift the evacuation order once carbon monoxide levels return to safe limits. The incident underscores the importance of proper safety protocols during welding and other hot‑work activities, especially in occupied commercial spaces.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official updates from the Oldsmar Fire Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
