Ontario Kimberly-Clark Distribution Center Fire Destroys 1.2M-Sq-Ft Warehouse
A six-alarm arson fire destroyed the 1.2-million-sq-ft Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario on April 7, 2026, with smoke and air-quality concerns nearby.
- Location
- Ontario, CA
- Occurred
- Apr 7, 2026, 7:30 AM UTC
- Last verified
- 5d ago
- Sources
- 4 primary sources
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A six-alarm fire destroyed the Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario early on April 7, 2026. The blaze, reported shortly after 12:30 a.m. near Hellman and Merrill avenues, involved a building of roughly 1.2 million square feet and took nearly twelve hours to bring under control.
What happened
About 175 firefighters and 20 engines responded. The site, operated as a distribution center for Kimberly-Clark paper goods, continued to smolder for days. Some nearby residents were temporarily unable to return home, and officials raised smoke and air-quality concerns. Investigators identified an employee of the site operator as an arson suspect; the case is proceeding through the courts.
Smoke and air quality
Large warehouse fires can send smoke across nearby neighborhoods. If you were nearby, follow guidance from the City of Ontario and air-quality agencies, limit exposure to smoke, and seek medical care for symptoms.
If you were affected
If your home or business was affected — by smoke, closures, or property impact — consider documenting it and keeping records. If you wish, you can see whether you qualify for a free review by an independent attorney. AlertRelief is an information and referral service, not a law firm.
Timeline
A fire is reported shortly after 12:30 a.m. at the Kimberly-Clark distribution center near Hellman and Merrill avenues in Ontario; it escalates to a six-alarm fire.
About 175 firefighters and 20 engines work the blaze, which involves a building of roughly 1.2 million square feet and takes nearly twelve hours to extinguish.
The site continues to smolder; some nearby residents are temporarily unable to return home, and officials raise smoke and air-quality concerns.
An employee of the site operator is identified as an arson suspect; the case proceeds through the courts.
Common questions
What happened at the Ontario Kimberly-Clark warehouse?
As reported, a six-alarm fire started shortly after 12:30 a.m. on April 7, 2026, at the roughly 1.2-million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark distribution center near Hellman and Merrill avenues in Ontario. It took nearly twelve hours to extinguish and was investigated as arson.
Was the smoke a health concern?
The site smoldered for days and officials raised smoke and air-quality concerns, with some residents temporarily unable to return home. Follow guidance from the City of Ontario and air-quality agencies, and seek care for symptoms. This is general information, not medical advice.
Who was responsible?
An employee of the company operating the distribution center was identified as an arson suspect and charged; the person has pleaded not guilty. The matter is developing through the courts.
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