Fire in Whole Foods Compactor Under Investigation

A fire that appeared to have originated in a trash compactor at the in Bishop's Corner Sunday evening is of "suspicious origin" and under investigation, fire officials said.

According to Battalion Chief Matt Stuart of the , a report was received from the that a suspicious person was seen in the vicinity of the dumpster shortly before the fire was reported.

The fire was discovered by the Whole Foods manager who pulled the alarm at 6:03 p.m. Sunday. The store was evacuated and closed for the remainder of the day.

"There was a pretty good fire going when we arrived. It took about 30 minutes to finish off," Stuart said.

Route 44 (Albany Ave.) was closed between Trout Brook Dr. and N. Main St. to accommodate a fire hose that was placed across the road. Traffic was being detoured around the scene.

Stuart said that there was some smoke in the lower level of the Whole Foods property, but fire officials were able to blow it out.

No other businesses in the shopping center were affected, and no injuries were reported.

Fire officials remained on the scene to clear out the dumpster and wet down the remaining trash. A Whole Foods manager was informing customers that the store would open on time at 8 a.m. Monday.