Arson Suspect’s Video Captures Start of Kimberly-Clark Warehouse Fire in Ontario
A social media video appears to show the start of a major warehouse fire in Ontario. The footage shows a person using a lighter to set pallets alight inside a storage facility.
Suspect and charges
Police arrested Highland resident Chamel Abdulkarim, 29. He faces multiple felony arson-related charges.
Authorities say he worked at the site. The warehouse served as a Kimberly-Clark distribution center operated by NFI Industries.
Video evidence
The posted video reportedly captures the ignition of pallets wrapped in plastic. Flames are seen melting packaging on Scott toilet paper cases.
In the clip, the person criticizes pay and walks through aisles while lighting pallets. The recording was shared on Facebook and has been cited by investigators.
Eyewitness account
Forklift driver Alejandro Montero said he spoke to the accused minutes before the blaze. Montero said they had worked together for about two hours before break.
He added the fire erupted around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Montero said the dock worker was gone when staff were accounted for after evacuation.
Firefighting response
More than 140 personnel battled the blaze, Ontario Fire Deputy Chief Mike Wedell said. Multiple regional departments provided mutual aid.
- Riverside County, Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County Fire Departments
- Riverside City, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Valley and Corona fire departments
- Montclair, Colton, Rialto, San Manuel and Los Angeles fire departments
Thick black smoke and falling ash affected nearby neighborhoods. Officials urged children and seniors to stay indoors due to air quality concerns.
Fire behavior and investigation
Ontario Fire Chief Mike Gerken described the blaze as uncharacteristic for that structure. Investigators noted the rapid spread inside the 1.2 million square foot building.
Fire crews initially treated the fire as suspicious. The social media video has become a central piece of evidence in the probe.
Corporate response and supply impact
Kimberly-Clark issued a statement saying its supply chain is built for continuity. The company said mitigating steps are underway.
Officials and the company said consumers should not expect shortages of diapers or toilet paper. Brands at the site include Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex and Cottonelle.
The arson suspect’s video captures the start of a Kimberly-Clark warehouse fire in Ontario, and investigators continue to piece together the timeline. Filmogaz.com will monitor developments as authorities release more information.
