California Kimberly-Clark paper goods warehouse engulfed in 6-alarm fire; suspect detained in alleged arson

Crews from the Ontario Fire Department and neighboring agencies battled a massive 6-alarm fire at a Kimberly-Clark paper goods warehouse on Tuesday morning.

Firefighters said they responded to the fire around 1:45 a.m. after receiving reports of smoke and flames at the warehouse. First-arriving units reported heavy smoke coming from the roof and heavy fire conditions.

Crews began a defensive fire attack and immediately requested additional resources to the 9500 block of Merrill Avenue. Ontario Fire Deputy Chief Mike Wedell said they had more than 140 personnel working to extinguish the blaze and received assistance from the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department, Chino Fire Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department and the Riverside Fire Department.  

Aerial footage showed clouds of black smoke covering the nearby area and ash flying in the air. Fire officials urged children and seniors near the fire to remain indoors due to the poor air quality. Video from the scene hours after the fire first erupted showed ash fluttering through the air and burned paper in the yards of homes across the street from the warehouse.

Authorities said the 1.2 million square foot warehouse was a Kimberly-Clark distribution center that contained paper goods, which contributed to the intensity of the blaze. 

Cal Fire officials said that despite the sprinklers being active when the fire erupted, the flames were located throughout the warehouse and they realized that the blaze was likely not an accident. 

"We are aware of the fire at our distribution center in Ontario, California, earlier today. Safety is our top priority, and we can confirm there are no reported injuries," a spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark said. "The facility is operated by a third-party partner, and we are working closely with them and local authorities."

Kimberly-Clark is a well-known company that manufactures paper-based brands like Kleenex, Huggies, Kotex, Cottonelle and Scott. The company is headquartered in Irving, TX, but operates globally. 

About 20 people were evacuated from the building, firefighters said, one of whom appeared to be missing until he was taken into custody for possible arson. He has not yet been identified aside from being an employee at the warehouse.

"Right now, we don't have any information regarding the background of the employee," said Ontario PD Corporal Emily Williams. "What we do know is he was a current employee of Kimberly Clark and he is in custody for arson."

Arson investigators will be on scene for several hours as crews continue to fight the fire.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported from this incident.