Arson Suspect Arrested in Massive Ontario Warehouse Fire

Chamel Abdulkarim, a 29-year-old employee, is accused of setting blaze at Kimberly-Clark distribution center.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted metal object from the warehouse fire, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a devastating warehouse fire raises questions about the role of a suspect and the impact on the local community.Ontario Today

A massive fire that engulfed a 1.2 million square foot Kimberly-Clark paper goods warehouse in Ontario, California has led to the arrest of Chamel Abdulkarim, a 29-year-old employee of a third-party distributor. The six-alarm blaze, fueled by the warehouse's contents, caused significant damage but no injuries. Investigators have identified Abdulkarim as a suspect based on his presence at the scene and evidence of multiple points of origin, though his motive remains unknown.

Why it matters

The fire has had a major impact on the local community, with the destruction of the warehouse leading to job losses and disruption of operations. It also raises questions about security and safety protocols at large distribution centers, as well as the challenges of investigating potential cases of arson.

The details

The fire started around 12:30 a.m. on a Tuesday and quickly escalated to a six-alarm situation, requiring 175 firefighters to respond. The intensity of the blaze, fueled by the paper products stored in the warehouse, made it a dangerous and difficult fire to combat. Investigators identified Chamel Abdulkarim, a 29-year-old employee of NFI Industries, a third-party distributor for Kimberly-Clark, as a suspect early on due to his presence at the scene and evidence of multiple points of origin.

  • The fire started around 12:30 a.m. on a Tuesday.
  • Chamel Abdulkarim was present at the warehouse when the fire broke out.

The players

Chamel Abdulkarim

A 29-year-old employee of NFI Industries, a third-party distributor for Kimberly-Clark, who has been arrested as a suspect in the arson investigation.

Kimberly-Clark Distribution Center

A 1.2 million square foot warehouse that was the site of the massive fire in Ontario, California.

Ontario Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the six-alarm blaze at the Kimberly-Clark warehouse.

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What they’re saying

“The fire was so intense that it could be seen from miles away, casting an orange glow over the area.”

— Teri Cruz, Neighbor

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the alleged arson. The police department's lack of prior contact with Abdulkarim adds another layer of mystery to the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and community involvement in solving complex crimes. The human impact of the fire, including job losses and disruption of operations, underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the events and their consequences.