Govind Tekale
A massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in rural Northern California has left seven people missing and sparked an 80-acre blaze, officials confirmed Wednesday. The blast occurred Tuesday evening in Esparto, Yolo County, about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.
Emergency crews responded to the scene around 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, where they found multiple buildings on fire and ongoing explosions. Shortly after firefighters arrived, the warehouse detonated completely, sending a massive fireball and fireworks bursting into the air.
“There is a reduced risk today, but a risk that still remains,” stated a joint release from the Esparto Fire Protection District and State Fire Marshal’s Office, explaining why evacuation orders remain in place.
Two people were injured in the explosion and received medical care, according to Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence, who confirmed they were “OK” but provided no further details about their conditions.
Among the missing is 18-year-old Jesus Ramos, who was on his first day working at the warehouse, along with his two brothers Johnny Ramos, 22, and Junior Melendez, 28.
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“They were all three incredible men who had so much coming for them, that had so much coming their way,” Syanna Ruiz, Jesus Ramos’ girlfriend, told the Sacramento Bee. “I’m just praying to God that some way, somehow, they’re OK.”
The warehouse belongs to Devastating Pyrotechnics, also known as Blackstar Fireworks, which holds active state licenses for pyrotechnics. The company acknowledged the tragedy on its website.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community,” the company statement read. “We will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.”
The ongoing danger from unexploded fireworks has complicated search and recovery efforts. First responders are using drones to monitor the site and assess hazards before entering.
“The fire will take time to cool, and once it does, explosive experts must safely enter the site to assess and secure the area,” the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office explained.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed state resources have been deployed to assist with the emergency response. The State Fire Marshal has sent an arson and bomb investigation team to determine the cause of the explosion.
“This type of incident is very rare, as facilities like this are required to not only follow our stringent California pyrotechnic requirements, but also federal explosive storage requirements,” Cal Fire noted in its statement.
The blast forced mandatory evacuations within a one-mile radius of the site, primarily affecting residents on the south side of Highway 16. An evacuation center was established at the Yolo County Public Library Esparto Branch.
The explosion has disrupted Fourth of July celebrations in nearby communities. Officials in Sutter and Yuba counties announced they are looking for alternatives after their fireworks were destroyed in the blast.
The incident highlights the inherent dangers of storing explosive materials, even in licensed facilities. According to Cal Fire, the warehouse was subject to strict state and federal regulations for explosive storage.
As investigators work to determine the cause and search for the missing continues, local officials are focused on safely allowing residents to return to their homes by potentially reducing the evacuation zone in the coming days.
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors has made mental health resources available through their Health and Human Services Agency for affected families and community members dealing with the trauma of the incident.
