An early morning blaze at the Hometown Wal-Mart is being investigated as an arson, according to Rush Township Police Sgt. Duane Frederick.

The fire damaged a portion of the sales area and sent shoppers and employees fleeing to the safety of the parking lot during a snowstorm.Frederick released photos of four suspects and their getaway vehicle around 9:30 this morning.Firefighters and other emergency responders from a wide region responded to the 2:25 a.m. alarm for a commercial structure fire at HT Commons Shopping Center, 35 Plaza Drive, in Rush Township.The Schuylkill Communications Center call indicated a working fire at Wal-Mart, specifically inside the building located adjacent to the outdoor and garden supply section of the store.First responders reported flames and smoke showing at the rear of the store."It's in an area where they sell toys and discounted items," said Barry Messerschmidt, chief, Hometown Fire Company.By the time responders arrived on scene all occupants inside the building had been evacuated to the parking lot.There, employees stood and watched in biting wind, 20-degrees temperatures and heavy, swirling snow as firefighters hauled hoses and equipment in through the front doors.Many employees used cell phones to call loved ones.Customers opted to jump into their vehicles and go home, leaving visible signs of interrupted shopping trips."There were shopping carts left in the aisles," firefighter Jeaninne Motroni said.Firefighters tackled the blaze both from ground level and through the roof via aerial truck, and were able to knock down the flames quickly. However, smoke filled the entire building and firefighters set up portable ventilation at the main entrances.A few fire-blackened display racks were visible from the door of the garden center, along with merchandise that had melted from flames and heat.The area impacted the greatest by smoke, water and fire damage is the seasonal section where Christmas lighting and ornaments are typically featured.The affected area is situated just steps from the in-store pharmacy.Among the merchandise destroyed were various toys, camping gear, hockey tables, small scooters, and Coleman insulated camping coolers.Fast response by firefighters helped to contain damage to the seasonal area, but smoke and water damage was substantial, with smoke affecting the entire store.After the all clear was given, Dave Clewell Jr., officer in charge for Hometown Fire Company, said crews were awaiting arrival of the fire marshal and it was too early to determine the overall status of the situation.Clewell said appropriate inspections would have to be done."They'll have to wait for the board of health," he explained.Responding were fire companies from Tamaqua, Quakake, Hometown, Delano, and Ryan Township, along with Tamaqua Rescue and Community Ambulance, and Hometown Fire Police.Merle Wertman, fire police captain, along with other volunteers, cordoned off the parking lot with orange cones.Authorities eventually allowed employees to gather in a heated area of the lobby.The store remained closed for business and it is unclear when doors will reopen.Sgt. Frederick is seeking the public's help in identifying the four men suspected of starting the fire.They ran from the store, entered a black car and were last seen traveling north on Route 309.Anyone with information is asked to contact Frederick at 570-668-4242 or the Schuylkill County Communications Center at 570-668-6100.Kathy Kunkel contributed to this report.