Seven people are currently missing after a series of explosions at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California. The incident occurred in Esparto, a small community about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento, and has left families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
The explosions, which lit up the night sky with bright fireworks, were triggered by a fire at the pyrotechnics facility. Emergency crews responded quickly, but the situation escalated, igniting a brush fire in the surrounding area. As of Wednesday, search efforts were ongoing, with investigators using drones to survey the site and look for the missing individuals.
Authorities have not yet released the names of those unaccounted for, but family members have identified some of them as workers at the warehouse. Syanna Ruiz, for instance, is waiting for news about her boyfriend, 18-year-old Jesus Ramos, along with his brother Johnny and stepbrother Junion Menendez. Ruiz expressed her hope that they are safe and just unable to communicate.
The warehouse is owned by a licensed pyrotechnics operator, and officials are investigating whether all safety protocols were followed. Cal Fire noted that such incidents are rare due to strict regulations governing fireworks facilities. They are working to ensure that everything at the site complied with both state and federal safety standards.
Residents in Esparto and nearby Madison were placed under evacuation orders due to the risk posed by the burning materials. Although the risk of the brush fire spreading to homes has decreased, officials are still monitoring the situation closely. The fire, dubbed the Oakdale fire, has burned approximately 78 acres without containment as of Wednesday evening.
The explosions occurred just days before the Fourth of July holiday, raising concerns about the safety of fireworks displays in the region. San José Mayor Matt Mahan announced that fireworks planned for a local celebration would likely be canceled due to the loss of materials in the explosion. However, the festival will still take place, possibly featuring a drone show instead.
As the search for the missing continues, the community remains hopeful. The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to stay away from the area while the investigation unfolds. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with fireworks, especially in dry conditions.