ESPARTO, Calif. — In rural Northern California, a devastating explosion at a fireworks warehouse on Tuesday evening led to an extensive blaze that spread into farm fields, prompting evacuations in the surrounding area. Seven individuals remain unaccounted for following the incident, which has drawn significant concern and attention.
Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence reported that two people sustained injuries during the explosion. Both individuals have received medical attention and are said to be “OK.” However, details about their identities or their association with the warehouse have not been disclosed.
Emergency teams, alongside investigators, are actively working with the property owner while drones survey the area to locate the missing persons. It remains uncertain whether those unaccounted for are affiliated with the warehouse workforce or are residents from nearby localities.
Officials have urged the public to steer clear of the vicinity after the explosion ignited a series of fireworks, setting off a fire that led to other smaller blazes and resulted in the warehouse’s collapse. The site is located near Esparto in Yolo County, roughly 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.
Investigations into the cause behind the explosion are ongoing. The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office stated that safety measures must be in place for explosive experts to enter and evaluate the site once the fire cools down sufficiently.
Among those concerned, Syanna Ruiz voiced her distress, revealing that her boyfriend, Jesus Ramos, and his two brothers, employees at the warehouse, are part of the missing. Notably, the explosion happened on Ramos’s first shift at the facility. Ruiz expressed her hopes and prayers for their safety during an interview.
The fire managed to burn nearly 80 acres, covering the surrounding agricultural land before being held back. State Fire officials disclosed that the site belongs to an authorized pyrotechnics license holder. Despite stringent regulations both at state and federal levels, such incidents are rare.
The facility’s license, recorded under Blackstar Fireworks, aligns with state fire marshal records, although attempts to reach the owner for comments have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office is closely monitoring the development. In response, state assistance comprising ground and air resources have been commissioned.
Furthermore, an arson and bomb investigation team has been dispatched by the State Fire Marshal, ready to extend further support where necessary. Nearby counties, including Sutter and Yuba, are reconsidering their Fourth of July plans, having lost their fireworks supply in the explosion.
This incident has shed light on the potential risks involved in the storage and handling of fireworks, urging a re-evaluation of safety protocols at similar facilities to prevent future mishaps.