Reaction from the field
A 6-alarm fire has ravaged a 1.2-million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario, California, leading to significant damage and raising urgent safety concerns. The fire, which broke out around 12:30 a.m., has been deemed suspicious in nature, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
In a swift response, over 140 firefighters from multiple agencies battled the blaze, which continued to spread despite the activation of the building’s internal sprinkler system. The sheer volume of combustible materials, primarily paper products, contributed to the rapid escalation of the fire, which was reported to have started at approximately 1:45 a.m.
Authorities confirmed that all 20 employees onsite during the incident were unharmed, with safety being a top priority for Kimberly-Clark. A spokesperson stated, “Safety is our top priority, and we can confirm there are no reported injuries.” However, a male employee is currently in custody as the primary suspect after being reported missing during the initial evacuation.
As firefighters transitioned to an exterior-only ‘defensive’ approach to extinguish remaining hotspots, residents in the surrounding area were advised to remain indoors due to significant smoke and falling ash. The Ontario Police Department’s drone team has been deployed to use thermal imaging technology to identify any lingering hot spots.
Deputy Chief Mike Wedell remarked on the situation, stating, “Very early on, we identified this fire as suspicious in nature.” He also noted, “We’ve had good success this morning,” indicating that firefighting efforts were progressing effectively.
Despite the active firefighting efforts, the building and its contents are considered a total loss. The specific method used to ignite the paper products remains unknown, and details about the identity of the detained employee have not been released. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the investigation and any potential charges that may arise from this incident. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact origin of the fire within the structure.
