Ontario police arrested Chamel Abdulkarim of Highland on suspicion of arson following a massive fire at a Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Southern California.
A devastating six-alarm structure fire ripped through a Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario Tuesday morning, leading to the arrest of an employee on suspicion of arson. While the 1.2-million-square-foot facility suffered a total loss, including a roof collapse, authorities confirmed that all 20 employees present during the blaze escaped unharmed.
Ontario police have identified the suspect as Chamel Abdulkarim, a 29-year-old resident of Highland. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kimberly-Clark employee detained on suspicion of arson after massive Ontario warehouse fireWhile initially believed to be a Kimberly-Clark staffer, officials clarified he is an employee of NFI Industries, a third-party distribution partner.The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. at the facility located near Eucalyptus and South Hellman Avenue.The building was filled with highly combustible household paper products, such as Kleenex and toilet paper, which acted as "fuel" for the flames. Despite an active internal sprinkler system, the fire grew "exponentially very quickly," forcing more than 150 firefighters from multiple agencies to retreat to a defensive, exterior-only strategy. Abdulkarim was detained after being reported missing during the initial evacuation and is currently being held without bail on multiple arson-related felony charges.Investigators have not yet determined the specific motive behind the fire. While the Ontario Police Department is actively monitoring Kareem’s social media activity for potential clues, they have not released the specific contents of those posts. Additionally, the exact method used to ignite the paper products remains under investigation."We are aware of the fire at our distribution center in Ontario, California earlier today," Kimberly-Clark said in a statement on Tuesday. "Safety is our top priority, and we can confirm there are no reported injuries. The facility is operated by a third-party partner, and we are working closely with them and local authorities."The facility and its contents have been declared a total loss, and several big-rig trucks at the loading docks were also destroyed. Fire crews remain onsite to manage hotspots using thermal imaging drones. Residents in the surrounding area should expect continued smoke and falling ash.If you have any information regarding the start of the fire or tips related to the investigation, contact the Ontario Police Department's investigative tip line at 986-6711.
Ca San Bernardino County Ontario News Crime Publicsafety
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Crews in Ontario battle massive 6-alarm fire at warehouse; alleged arson suspect arrestedAuthorities said the 1.2 million square foot warehouse contains paper goods, which is contributing to the intensity of the blaze.
Read more »
Huge paper warehouse burns in Ontario, collapsing roof, forcing firefighters to retreatA warehouse filled with Kimberly Clark paper products grew into a huge fire Tuesday morning.
Read more »
Arson suspected in massive Ontario warehouse fire; employee detainedA massive fire at a Kimberly-Clark warehouse in Ontario has led to an arson investigation and the arrest of an employee.
Read more »
Kimberly-Clark employee arrested on suspicion of arson after massive Ontario warehouse fireAn employee is in custody on suspicion of arson following a massive 6-alarm fire at a 1.2-million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark warehouse in Ontario.
Read more »
Kimberly-Clark employee detained on suspicion of arson after massive Ontario warehouse fireAn employee is in custody on suspicion of arson following a massive 6-alarm fire at a 1.2-million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark warehouse in Ontario.
Read more »
Arson Suspected in Massive Fire at Kimberly-Clark Distribution Center in Ontario, CaliforniaA major fire, suspected to be arson, destroyed a large Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario, California. The blaze resulted in extensive damage, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the detention of an employee.
Read more »