Suspected Arson Sparks Massive Six-Alarm Fire at Kimberly-Clark Warehouse in Ontario
A massive six-alarm blaze tore through a Kimberly-Clark paper products distribution center in Ontario early Tuesday morning, April 7, 2026. The fire, which investigators believe was intentionally set, consumed a 1.2-million-square-foot facility and forced emergency crews to execute an emergency retreat as the structure’s roof collapsed.
Emergency Response and “Operational Retreat”
The fire was reported around 12:30 a.m. Near South Hellman Avenue and Merrill Avenue in San Bernardino County. According to Ontario Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Wedell, approximately 20 workers were inside the building when the blaze erupted. The Los Angeles Times reports that flames grew exponentially, quickly overwhelming initial crews and forcing them to perform an “operational retreat” to evacuate the building safely.
Firefighters utilized a defensive attack, surrounding the massive structure and pumping 1,000 gallons of water per minute to keep the blaze contained. The intensity of the fire was fueled by the paper goods stored within the facility, creating pillars of smoke visible for miles.
Multi-Agency Effort and Personnel
The scale of the disaster required a massive coordinated response. Approximately 140 personnel worked to extinguish the flames, with the Ontario Fire Department receiving critical assistance from several neighboring agencies, including:
- Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department
- San Bernardino County Fire Department
- Chino Fire Department
- Riverside Fire Department
Arson Investigation and Safety Status
Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected arson. Deputy Chief Wedell confirmed that one individual has been taken into custody and detained for questioning. Arson investigators remained on the scene throughout Tuesday to determine the exact origin and cause of the fire, as reported by CBS News.
Despite the severity of the fire and the collapse of the warehouse roof, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. While one individual was initially reported missing, crews successfully brought them to safety. A spokesperson for Kimberly-Clark confirmed that safety is their top priority and noted that the facility is operated by a third-party partner.
Key Takeaways: Ontario Warehouse Fire
- Location: Kimberly-Clark distribution center at the 9500 block of Merrill Avenue, Ontario, CA.
- Scale: Six-alarm fire affecting a 1.2-million-square-foot facility.
- Casualties: No reported injuries or fatalities.
- Cause: Suspected arson. one person is currently in custody.
- Impact: Total roof collapse and significant structural damage.
Fire crews expected to remain on-site for the remainder of the day to ensure the blaze is fully extinguished and to assist investigators in their probe of the facility.
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