The Devastating Pyrotechnics fireworks warehouse explosions in Esparto, CA have made national headlines. Two people were injured, and seven are missing and currently unaccounted for. The commercial fireworks warehouse explosion also sparked a local brush fire (the Oakdale Fire), prompting precautionary evacuations of nearby communities in Yolo County.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. The lawyers at Danko Meredith are closely monitoring the situation as the story unfolds and will provide updates as they become available. Our law firm is ready to assist anyone impacted by what has happened.
The attorneys at Danko Meredith are ready to help residents throughout the region. If you or a loved one were affected by the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosions or the subsequent Oakdale Fire, call us today at (650) 379-0525 or contact us online for a free consultation.
The Esparto Fireworks Warehouse Explosion: What We Know So Far
Around 5:50 pm on Tuesday, July 1, several explosions ripped through a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, CA near County Road 23 and County Road 86A. The warehouse was used to store commercial fireworks and was owned by Devastating Pyrotechnics.
These explosions leveled multiple structures at the facility, sending a plume of smoke 15,000 feet into the air. Debris from the explosions also ignited a wildfire in the nearby brush. The smoke was visible from numerous Northern California cities, including some parts of the Bay Area.
For residents and business owners nearby, the initial explosion felt like an earthquake. Multiple subsequent explosions continued to rattle homes through the evening.
Two Confirmed Injuries, Seven Missing and Unaccounted For
CB3 13 in Sacramento confirmed that two people were treated for injuries near the scene of the explosion. There are seven workers at the warehouse whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
While the names of these seven individuals have not yet been released, one of their loved ones has come forward and expressed concerns to the media.
We will continue to monitor the news for updates about the two injured individuals and the seven people who are currently unaccounted for.
About Devastating Pyrotechnics
Devestating Pyrotechnics is a licensed importer and exporter of commercial fireworks. The company also has a license for public fireworks displays. Devastating Pyrotechnics has another location in San Francisco and has been in operation in Northern California for 30 years.
The Devastating Pyrotechnics website currently consists of the following statement from management about the fireworks warehouse explosion in Esparto, CA:
“Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community. We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and emergency personnel. Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.”
As of now, Devastating Pyrotechnics is referring all inquiries regarding the incident and their business to their attorney.
Affect on Northern California Fourth of July Fireworks Displays
According to a report from ABC 10, the explosion caused the cancellation of multiple fireworks shows in Northern California, including fireworks displays in Chico and Lodi. A report from KCRA 3 noted that the warehouse explosion has also altered plans for a Bay Area fireworks display in San Jose.
What Caused the Fireworks Warehouse Explosion in Esparto, CA?
As of this writing, the cause of the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion is unknown.
Investigators have been cautious about approaching the facility because of the risks posed by unexploded fireworks that remain at the site.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the warehouse and surrounding facilities are an active crime scene being investigated by Cal Fire. Out of an abundance of caution, the explosion site is currently being monitored using unmanned aircraft. The Stockton Record specified that California’s State Fire Marshal Arson and Bomb Unit will be in charge of the investigation.
Further information will be provided by the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. We will provide updates as the investigation into the cause of the Devastating Pyrotechnics warehouse explosion continues.
The Oakdale Fire: What We Know So Far
Debris from the Devastating Pyrotechnics warehouse explosion ignited a brush fire and multiple spot fires in the area. As of this writing, the Oakdale Fire is not yet contained and has burned nearly 80 acres in the vicinity of the warehouse site.
Evacuation Zones Surrounding the Site of the Explosions
Out of an abundance of caution following the explosion, Yolo County officials created a one-mile evacuation zone around the fireworks warehouse facility. The communities of Esparto, Madison, and Cottonwood are in or near the mandatory evacuation area.
If you live in the vicinity of the Devastating Pyrotechnics warehouse or are near the Oakdale Fire evacuation zone, continue to monitor the Cal Fire page on the Oakdale Fire and follow evacuation instructions issued by local Yolo County authorities.
The Industry Response to the Fireworks Warehouse Explosion
Another report from ABC 10 quoted Julie Heckman, the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, on the protocol for these unique kinds of fires and the dangers posed by the presence of commercial fireworks.
“The emergency response for a fire involving professional commercial fireworks is do not fight the fire, secure the area, evacuate everyone, and let the event happen,” Heckman said. “You never try to fight a fire with professional fireworks.”
Heckman noted that extra caution is necessary with professional fireworks since their pyrotechnic composition differs greatly from the consumer-grade fireworks that many people are familiar with.
Heckman also expressed curiosity about the explosion itself. “The firework industry has an impeccable record when it comes to safety, and so getting to the bottom of what sparked this particular incident is very important to us,” she told ABC 10.
How the Attorneys of Danko Meredith Can Help Those Affected in Yolo County
At Danko Meredith, our attorneys have handled cases much like these throughout Northern California. If unsafe operations or industry practices led to catastrophic losses, our law firm can hold companies accountable for cutting corners and putting people’s lives at risk.
For many years, our lawyers have taken on major corporations, utility companies, and industrial operators. We are known for our work on utility-caused wildfires throughout California, as well as environmental disaster litigation and cases against the airline industry.
At Danko Meredith, we know how to hold companies and corporations accountable, and they know our law firm means business.
Why People Trust Danko Meredith for Legal Representation
The lawyers at Danko Meredith are stalwart advocates for people all over California whose lives have been adversely impacted by negligent corporations and companies that put profits over safety. Our attorneys are ready to level the playing field, even against large defense teams. Time and again, we’ve shown that even when we’re outnumbered, we’re never out-lawyered.
- More than 120 Years of Combined Legal Experience: Our attorneys have more than 12 decades of combined experience practicing law. We’ll use that collective knowledge to your advantage.
- 99% Success Rate Thanks to Expert Witnesses: Danko Meredith has access to some of the leading expert witnesses in the country, including credentialed economists, engineers, medical professionals, and life care planners.
- A Record of High-Value Verdicts and Settlements: If you look through our case results, you’ll see numerous seven-figure and eight-figure verdicts and settlements won for our clients.
- Free Legal Consultations: Consultations are free of charge. You shouldn’t have to pay anything to share what happened with experienced lawyers. We can let you know if you have a legal claim and what steps to take next.
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win: Danko Meredith operates on a contingency fee basis. Our attorneys only get paid if we can secure a pre-trial settlement or win damages in court. Clients can focus on healing and planning for the future rather than stressing over legal bills.
Affected by the Esparto Explosion or Fire? Contact Our Law Firm Today
The team at Danko Meredith will continue to provide updates on the situation in Yolo County as new information becomes available. Check this page regularly for the latest news and information.
If you or a loved one were affected by the Devastating Pyrotechnics fireworks warehouse explosions or the Oakdale Fire, our attorneys want to hear from you. To request a free consultation, call our law office at (650) 379-0525 or contact us online. We’re ready to listen.