Video shows someone intentionally setting fires at Ontario warehouse

The employee suspected of starting an arson fire at a paper products warehouse in Ontario remains behind bars as new video on social media appears to show someone intentionally starting multiple fires at the site.

A video that’s circulated online shows several fires being purposely started at the Kimberly-Clark Corporation warehouse as the person filming and starting the fire discusses their salary.

“All you had to do was pay us enough to live,” the person recording the video can be heard saying multiple times.

Officials have released new details on the arson suspect accused of starting a fire at an Ontario paper products warehouse. Tracey Leong reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The fire was reported at the warehouse just before 2 a.m. Tuesday on the 9500 block of Merrill Avenue. Heavy smoke and flames were seen coming from the approximately 1 million-square-foot warehouse as dozens of firefighters battled the blaze. About 20 employees were on site at the time the fire started, but no injuries were immediately reported.

Chamel Abdul Karim, 29, of Highland, was arrested in connection with the fire and faces several arson-related felony charges. He is currently being held without bail.

Alex Montero, an employee at the warehouse, said he was working the night the fires were set. He was stunned to learn of Karim’s arrest.

Investigators are working to find out the source of a fire at a warehouse in Ontario. Lauren Coronado reports for the NBC4 News at 6 a.m. on April 8, 2026. 

“I had just finished talking to him and came over and helped me with my truck,” Montero said. “I was five doors down from him.”

After seeing the video that’s been circulating online, Montero said he was shocked.

“I don’t know what’s going through his head,” Montero said of Karim.

It took crews several hours to get the fire under control, even using drones to extinguish the hot spots after all 20 employees inside were evacuated. Moments later, Ontario police arrested Karim on suspicion of arson.

Kimberly-Clark said the distribution center was operated by third party logistic partner NFI Industries and added that a response team was activated to help relocate impacted workers and minimize customer and consumer impact.

Karim, who is an employee of NFI Industries, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.