A large fire, believed to be intentionally set, caused significant damage to a Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario, California. The incident led to a large emergency response and the detention of a current employee.

Six-Alarm Blaze and Employee Detention

The devastating six-alarm fire erupted at the 1.2-million-square-foot facility around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Despite a partial roof collapse, all employees were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Authorities detained a male employee on suspicion of arson during the initial response.

Extensive Firefighting Efforts

Over 140 firefighters from Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties responded to the scene to battle the intense blaze. The distribution center, located near Eucalyptus Avenue and South Hellman Avenue, serves as a major storage and distribution hub for household paper products like Kleenex and toilet paper.

Sprinkler System and Combustible Materials

The facility’s internal sprinkler system activated upon the fire’s ignition, but the rapid spread was fueled by the large volume of combustible paper products. Approximately 20 employees were present in the building when the fire began.

Ongoing Investigation

Ontario Police apprehended the missing employee, now considered the primary suspect in the arson investigation. The building and its contents are considered a total loss, along with damage to several big-rig trucks at the loading docks. The employee’s identity has not been released.

Kimberly-Clark Statement and Public Safety

Kimberly-Clark acknowledged the fire in a statement, emphasizing the safety of all personnel and their collaboration with authorities and their third-party facility operator. The company will release further information as it becomes available.

Smoke and Hotspot Concerns

Authorities are advising residents to avoid the area due to significant smoke and falling ash. Individuals with respiratory issues are urged to remain indoors. Fire crews are continuing to extinguish hotspots using a defensive approach and drone technology with thermal imaging.

Anyone with information regarding the fire is encouraged to contact the Ontario Police Department's investigative tip line at (909) 986-6711.