Ontario Warehouse Fire: Employee Arrested After Posting Incendiary Video
A disturbing video circulating on social media has shed light on the cause of the massive fire that engulfed a 1.2 million square foot warehouse in Ontario, California. The video, believed to be posted by the suspect, shows a person deliberately igniting pallets of toilet paper with a lighter, stating, “Should have paid us more,” as flames quickly spread.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
Chamel Abdulkarim, a 29-year-old resident of Highland, has been arrested on multiple felony arson-related charges in connection with the fire. The incident occurred on Tuesday, causing significant damage to the NFI Industries distribution center, which serves as a key facility for Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer of popular brands like Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, and Cottonelle.
The Incendiary Video
The Facebook video depicts the initial stages of the fire, with flames melting through the plastic wrapping of Scott toilet paper cases. The individual in the video is heard saying, “All you had to do was pay us enough to live,” while walking through the warehouse and setting pallets ablaze, declaring, “There goes your inventory.”. This act points to a potential motive rooted in employee dissatisfaction.
Eyewitness Account
Alejandro Montero, a forklift driver at the warehouse, recounted a conversation with Abdulkarim just 15 minutes before the fire erupted around 12:30 a.m. “I just met him that night. He was helping me load my trailer,” Montero stated. “We worked together for two hours before break, and then… I went to my car, and that’s when it happened.” Montero noted that Abdulkarim was missing after an evacuation headcount was conducted.
Montero expressed a mix of emotions, stating, “We were kind of concerned for him at first, you know, so I don’t know, a lot of anger too, I guess. He put everyone in that position. We lost our jobs because of this.”. He also confirmed receiving the social media video, expressing disbelief at what he saw.
Massive Firefighting Effort
Over 140 firefighters from multiple agencies, including Riverside County, Los Angeles County, and San Bernardino County Fire Departments, as well as several city fire departments, battled the blaze. The fire generated significant black smoke and ash, prompting officials to advise children and seniors in the vicinity to remain indoors due to poor air quality.
Fire Behaviour and Investigation
Ontario Fire Chief Mike Gerken described the fire as “uncharacteristic,” noting its rapid spread within the large building. The initial assessment pointed towards a suspicious origin, which was later confirmed with the arrest of Abdulkarim.
Kimberly-Clark Response and Supply Chain Impact
Kimberly-Clark issued a statement indicating that its supply chain network is designed to withstand disruptions. The company assured consumers that there would be no toilet paper or diaper shortages as a result of the fire, with mitigating actions already underway. Kimberly-Clark Official Website
Employee Concerns
Montero expressed concern about the suspect’s situation, stating, “I don’t know what he had going on personally with the company… I was making good money there. You know I’m a little bummed out. I lost my job.”. The incident highlights the potential consequences of unresolved employee grievances.
Source: CBS News
