A series of thunderous explosions rattled the rural town of Esparto, California, on Tuesday evening, after a fire broke out at a local fireworks facility just days before the Fourth of July celebrations.
The blaze, known as the Oakdale Fire, destroyed parts of the facility, burned more than 78 acres, and forced nearby residents to evacuate due to smoke, flames, and continued blasts, New York Post reported.
The incident began around 5:50 p.m. on July 1, when multiple explosions erupted from a warehouse located on a commercial fireworks property in Yolo County. Esparto, a small farming community about 35 miles northwest of Sacramento, was immediately shaken by the shockwaves.
Residents initially feared the tremors were an earthquake. “All we felt was everything shake,” said Bryan Sandoval, who lives nearby, in an interview with the Sacramento Bee.
Photos from the scene revealed dark smoke billowing high above the facility, with plumes reaching altitudes between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. Witnesses described the sky turning grey as the smoke dimmed the evening sunlight.
Firefighters responding to the scene found several commercial buildings already consumed by flames. Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence said responding teams encountered “numerous explosions” and “numerous spot fires” rapidly spreading in the area.
The Oakdale Fire quickly expanded, moving across grass and brushland surrounding the facility. Officials later confirmed the fire had burned over 78 acres before being brought under control shortly after 7:30 p.m.
Emergency personnel focused on stopping the spread while also ensuring the safety of nearby residents. Local law enforcement and fire crews enforced a mandatory evacuation within a one-mile radius of the facility.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office began monitoring the situation after receiving reports of the scale of the incident. By Tuesday evening, state and local agencies were coordinating efforts to assess the damage and prevent further danger.
No official injury reports were released by authorities as of Wednesday morning. Chief Lawrence declined to comment on whether anyone had been hurt in the explosions or ensuing fire.
Several buildings on the fireworks compound were confirmed either damaged or destroyed by the fire. The exact cause and sequence of explosions remain under investigation, with fire officials still working to determine the origin within the warehouse.
The powerful blasts left residents of Esparto in shock. Many described scenes of debris-filled skies and thick black smoke settling over homes and fields.
Emergency sirens and flying embers heightened the anxiety of those evacuating. Several families drove out of the area as first responders warned of chemical fumes and the potential for further explosions.
The scale of the fire and the proximity to the holiday weekend raised concern among fire officials about safety risks tied to fireworks handling and storage.
With the Fourth of July approaching, local officials expressed interest in reviewing handling procedures at fireworks facilities. The Esparto incident has renewed emphasis on safety around hazardous materials during the holiday season.
Authorities plan to assess remaining fireworks in the facility once the site is secured. Specialists will also look into regulations surrounding fireworks warehouses located near residential areas.
No timeframe has been announced regarding the full investigation or possible criminal inquiries. Fire investigators are expected to work at the scene over the following days alongside representatives from state fire agencies.
