Suspect arrested in massive Ontario warehouse blaze that caused half-billion in damage

A California man has been charged in connection with a massive warehouse fire at a Kimberly-Clark facility in Ontario that caused an estimated $500 million in damage, authorities said.

Chamel Abdulkarim, 29, of Highland, was arrested on April 7 and formally charged on April 10 with arson of a building used in interstate and foreign commerce, according to the Ontario Police Department and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors say Abdulkarim faces both state and federal charges related to the fire, which tore through the 2-million-square-foot warehouse on April 7. 

If convicted on the federal count, he could face between five and 20 years in prison.

According to a federal affidavit cited by authorities, Abdulkarim allegedly filmed himself setting fire to multiple pallets of paper goods inside the facility. 

Investigators also claim he made statements during and after the incident suggesting a motive tied to workplace pay and corporate grievances.

In alleged messages and phone recordings referenced in court documents, he reportedly said, “I just cost these motherf----ers billions,” and criticized wages and corporate profits.

The fire broke out shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, prompting a massive emergency response. Approximately 175 firefighters and 15 truck companies were dispatched to the six-alarm blaze, according to officials.

Crews initially entered the building to combat the flames but were forced to withdraw as the fire rapidly intensified. 

The blaze was ultimately contained to the warehouse structure, with firefighters working for hours to fully extinguish it.

The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Ontario Police Department, and the Ontario Fire Department are continuing to investigate the incident.

Abdulkarim is scheduled to appear in court on April 13, officials said.