Authorities are still searching for seven missing people after a powerful explosion tore through a commercial fireworks facility in Esparto, Yolo County, California, on Tuesday evening. The blast, which happened just before 6 p.m., left at least two people injured and forced widespread evacuations as crews battle to secure the site.
Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence said firefighters initially entered the damaged building but had to withdraw due to the extreme risks posed by unstable debris and possible secondary explosions. With conditions still too dangerous for ground crews, search teams are now using drones to locate the missing people from above.
The identities and roles of the missing remain unclear, though no firefighters are among them. Power remains out for more than 150 nearby customers, and evacuation orders for two surrounding zones are still in effect as investigators assess the ongoing threat.
Chief Lawrence described the scene as unprecedented in his career. “This is an incident of great magnitude,” he said during a press conference Wednesday. “Our next priority is working to reduce the exclusion zone so we can get residents safely back in their homes and restore power when possible.”
More than 30 fire units initially responded to the blast, but only a few remain on-site as the situation stabilizes. CAL FIRE confirmed the facility belongs to a licensed pyrotechnic operator, though the owner’s name has not yet been released.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated that the Office of the State Fire Marshal is leading the investigation with an arson and bomb team on scene. So far, 78.3 acres have burned, with containment still at zero percent. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Local officials praised the dedication of volunteer responders and mutual aid partners who continue working to secure the area and keep the community safe.
