Updated on April 9, 2026 – 8:13 PM (New York time)
A California man faces a potential life sentence after being accused of setting fire to a nearly 1.2 million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark warehouse in the city of Ontario.
The suspect, Chamel Abdulkarim, 29, was arrested after a fire broke out around 12:30 AM, destroying nearly the entire warehouse filled with paper products.
Viral videos show the suspect filming himself lighting the fire inside the warehouse, repeatedly complaining about pay and working conditions. In the footage, he can be heard saying the company “doesn’t pay enough to live.”
Previously, in 2024, Abdulkarim filed a class-action lawsuit against PrimeFlight in California, alleging violations of break time and wage regulations for hourly employees. Records show the lawsuit concluded in early 2025 with a settlement, though specific details were not disclosed.
Authorities stated that approximately 20 people were inside the warehouse when the fire occurred, but no injuries were reported.
More than 140 firefighters were deployed to contain the massive blaze, which lasted for several hours. Fire crews from multiple neighboring areas had to coordinate efforts due to the intensity of the fire, fueled primarily by the flammable materials inside the facility.
Abdulkarim faces one count of aggravated arson and six other counts related to arson of property. The suspect is being held without bail, awaiting a court date in Rancho Cucamonga.
Police stated they are continuing to investigate the motive and all related circumstances.
