Chamel Abdulkarim, 29, of Highland, was arrested the same day on suspicion of arson. He is currently being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center and is expected to appear in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. Jail records show he could face charges including arson of an inhabited structure and arson causing property damage.

According to investigators, Abdulkarim was one of about 20 employees inside the warehouse when the fire started. At first, coworkers feared he might have been trapped in the flames. That concern quickly shifted after a video circulated online appearing to show a man—believed to be Abdulkarim—lighting stacks of toilet paper on fire while complaining about low wages.

Ontario police confirmed they are aware of the video and said it is part of the ongoing investigation.

The warehouse was operated by NFI Industries on behalf of Kimberly-Clark. A spokesperson for NFI confirmed Abdulkarim was an employee and said the company is cooperating fully with authorities. Officials also noted that all workers were safely accounted for and no injuries were reported.

Employees who escaped the building described a chaotic scene as alarms sounded and flames rapidly spread. Some initially gathered behind the warehouse before firefighters instructed them to move farther away for safety. Witnesses reported seeing fire spread to nearby semi-truck trailers parked at loading docks, with explosions heard from inside the structure.

By the time crews gained control, the damage was extensive. Fire officials said the roof collapsed during the blaze, disabling the building’s sprinkler system and leaving the structure a total loss.

Kimberly-Clark confirmed that none of its personnel were inside at the time and that all workers were safely evacuated. The company has since activated emergency response plans, including redirecting shipments and securing alternative warehouse space to minimize disruption to customers.

Local officials also acknowledged the potential impact on employees. San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman said the county is prepared to assist displaced workers with job placement and training resources.

For now, many of the warehouse employees are left waiting for answers about their future, after losing their workplace in a matter of hours.

The post Ontario Warehouse Fire Destroys Facility, Worker Arrested for Arson appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Two teenagers were arrested for igniting the Hawarden Fire that destroyed several homes in the city of Riverside in July while another minor faced “serious charges,” officials confirmed Thursday.

Two of the 16-year-olds were taken into custody earlier on Thursday, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said, adding the brush fire, which destroyed seven homes and damaged 18 others, was caused by illegal use of fireworks.

“(The fire) caused immeasurable levels of fear among the residents who were rightly afraid for their safety,” Dawson said. “All fireworks are illegal in the city of Riverside for a reason.”

The two arrested teens were booked into a juvenile detention facilities while the other suspect would face charges out of Riverside County, the mayor explained.

Officials did not disclose the teens’ gender, schools and other details due to their age.

The Hawarden Fire, which was first reported at around 1 p.m. on July 21 as temperatures reached over 100 degrees with moderate winds.

The fire, which scorched over 600 acres, cost the city at least $1.5 million in response while the damages to the homes are estimated to be about $28 million, officials said.

Investigators said video footage showed the suspects running away in a silver pickup truck as soon as the fireworks went off.

“After canvassing the neighborhood, investigators located the silver pickup and subsequently identified three individuals as 16-year-old juveniles,” Chief Larry Gonzalez with the Riverside Police Department said. “Search warrants were obtained and served at their homes where electronic devices were seized as part of this investigation as well.”

While the fire was put contained about eight days later, those who lost their properties continue to suffer in the aftermath.

“To those who lost their homes, we pray for you. We can’t imagine the emotional stress you’ve gone through,” Riverside City Councilmember Chuck Condor said. “To those who had minor damage or no damage, you still suffered tremendous emotional scars. It’s hard for me to imagine what you all thought that day.”

The post Two teens arrested for starting Hawarden Fire in Riverside appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

RIVERSIDE, CA — A fire that erupted adjacent to a downtown Riverside apartment complex may have been intentionally set, authorities said Monday.

The non-injury blaze was reported just after 5 p.m. Sunday in the 3000 block of Mission Inn Avenue, near Commerce Street, behind the Mission Lofts Apartments, according to the Riverside Fire Department.

Battalion Chief Mike Allen said three engine crews and a truck company — numbering nearly 20 personnel — were sent to the location and encountered flames burning “rubbish and a large trailer up against a building.”

Allen said firefighters “made an aggressive attack on the fire and kept it contained to the exterior of the building.”

The blaze was completely knocked down at 5:50 p.m.

The property damage was estimated to be $100,000, according to Allen.

“Witnesses reported seeing a person standing at the fire’s origin when it started,” he said.

Arson investigators were summoned to examine the remnants of the fire and identify the exact cause.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the fire department at 951-826-5321.

The post Apartment Complex Fire May Have Been Intentional: Riverside FD appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

File # EV232210067

Details:

On August 9, 2023, at 7:17 p.m., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7600 block of Soaring Bird Court, Eastvale, for an arson investigation. On arrival, deputies discovered a small structure engulfed in flames and three juvenile suspects were seen running from the scene. A coordinated effort between responding deputies and personnel assigned to the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit resulted in the arrests of all three suspects. Cal Fire responded and extinguished the flames. Deputies discovered the structure had been completely charred and a total loss. All three suspects were booked into juvenile hall for arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to call Deputy Guerrero at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling 951-955-2600.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Arson Suspects Arrested appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.