Suspected Arson Ignites Massive Southern California Warehouse Fire: Investigation Underway

In the early hours of Tuesday, a devastating fire erupted at a California warehouse, leading to the collapse of its roof and prompting firefighters to evacuate. Authorities have detained a suspect believed to be involved in starting the blaze.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., multiple emergency services were dispatched to a facility managed by Kimberly-Clark, located near the intersection of South Hellman Avenue and Merrill Avenue in Ontario, just east of Los Angeles.

The inferno consumed the expansive 1 million-square-foot structure, sending a thick column of smoke towering into the atmosphere.

Due to the hazardous environment, firefighters were compelled to execute an “operational retreat” for safety reasons.

“Unfortunately, the fire escalated rapidly, necessitating our teams to initiate what we term an ‘operational retreat’ to ensure their safety,” explained Ontario Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Wedell in an interview with KTLA.

The fire reached a six-alarm status, requiring assistance from neighboring fire departments, including San Bernardino County Fire Department, to help contain the massive blaze.

More than 100 firefighters battled the fire with reports indicating it was still ongoing as of 5 a.m.

“The Ontario Fire Department is battling a 6 alarm warehouse fire. The building contains paper products. Units from many neighboring departments are on scene supporting the suppression efforts,” the San Bernardino County Fire Department wrote on X.

Paper products inside the building helped fuel the flames. Kimberly-Clark is a hygiene company that owns brands like Huggies and Kleenex. The company told the California Post that there have been reported injuries and the warehouse was operated by a third-party partner.

“We are aware of the fire at our distribution center in Ontario, California earlier today,” a Kimberly-Clark spokesperson told the California Post. “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. We will share additional information as it becomes available.”

No injuries have been reported and employees have been evacuated. It’s unclear how the fire was set, though investigators suspect the warehouse was set ablaze intentionally.

“At this point, we do have a subject of interest,” Ontario Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Woodell told KTLA. “That individual has been brought into custody, arrested, and taken to the police department. The individual is awaiting questioning by Ontario Police Department detectives who are en route.”

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