California Kimberly-Clark Distribution Center Burned

On April 7, a 1.2-million-square foot Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario, California, operated by NFI Industries, was intentionally set ablaze, CBS News reported. A NFI Industries employee, Chamel Abdulkarim was arrested by police on multiple felony arson-related charges for the massive fire that destroyed the building and products inside.

Cal Fire officials said that despite the sprinklers being active when the fire erupted, flames ignited throughout the warehouse. Paper goods inside the distribution center, including toilet paper, contributed to the intensity of the blaze, fire officials added.

Ontario Fire Deputy Chief Mike Wedell said they had over 140 personnel working to extinguish the blaze. More than 24 hours later, the fire was still smoldering, creating a thick haze of smoke and ash in the immediate area, ABC News reported.

No injuries or fatalities were reported from this incident. 

In a statement issued to media outlets, Kimberly-Clark said its supply chain network “is designed for continuity during disruptions and mitigating actions are already in motion.”