Man charged in Ontario warehouse fire that fueled toilet paper fears

A San Bernardino County man has been federally charged with deliberately setting a fire that destroyed a massive warehouse in Ontario, California, causing an estimated $500 million in damage, federal prosecutors said Friday.

Chamel Abdulkarim, 29, of Highland, is charged in a federal criminal complaint with arson of a building used in interstate and foreign commerce, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The complaint was filed late Thursday.

The early‑morning April 7 fire destroyed a 1.2 million‑square‑foot warehouse leased by Kimberly‑Clark, a major producer of toilet paper, paper towels and baby products. No injuries were reported.

Could this fire affect toilet paper or household supply availability?

The Ontario warehouse stored large volumes of paper products, including items used for everyday household needs. Industry analysts have warned the fire could disrupt West Coast distribution routes and raise transportation costs, depending on how quickly supplies are rerouted.

Kimberly‑Clark, whose brands include Cottonelle, Kleenex, Viva, and Huggies, said its supply chain is designed to withstand disruptions and that mitigation plans are already underway.

The company said the fire did not affect its manufacturing equipment, but acknowledged the warehouse played a key role in regional logistics. Any long‑term impact on store shelves would depend on how quickly inventory can be shifted from other facilities.

What prosecutors say happened inside the Ontario warehouse

Federal investigators allege Abdulkarim set multiple fires inside the distribution center, lighting pallets of paper goods and filming himself as the flames spread.

According to a federal affidavit, Abdulkarim posted videos of the fire on social media and made statements criticizing wages and corporate profits, including remarks referencing pay, shareholders and working conditions.

The fires spread rapidly and engulfed the concrete tilt‑up structure. Fire officials said the damage totaled about $500 million, making it one of the most destructive warehouse fires in Southern California history.

Abdulkarim was arrested Tuesday and remains in custody in San Bernardino County. He is expected to be arraigned on related state arson charges in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

If convicted federally, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.

The FBI, ATF, Ontario Police Department, and Ontario Fire Department are jointly investigating the case.

A criminal complaint is an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.