Employee accused of arson after paper goods warehouse destroyed in massive fire in Ontario

A warehouse employee was arrested on suspicion of arson after a massive fire destroyed the building in Ontario, prompting a large response from first responders overnight.

The fire started shortly after 12:30 a.m. Tuesday near Hellman and Merrill avenues, according to the Ontario Fire Department. In total, 175 firefighters and 20 engines were on scene battling the flames, which cast an orange glow in the area.

The firefight continued for several hours as the blaze continued to burn through the Kimberly-Clark Distribution Center, which is estimated to be 1.2 million square feet — about the size of 11 city blocks. The flames and smoke were visible for miles.

Nearly twelve hours later, crews were still on scene shooting water at the building from ladder trucks. They were able to contain the flames to the warehouse, protecting nearby businesses.

The warehouse was filled with paper products from familiar brands like Kleenex to Huggies diapers, which further fueled the six-alarm fire.

Read more: ABC 7 LA