Esparto Fireworks Facility Explosion | Yolo County Sheriff Clarifies Agency's Role in Investigation
YOLO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 14 – California suspended pyrotechnic licenses of two men after a loophole allowed permits despite felony convictions; the July 1 explosion killed seven workers and burned 78 acres, officials said.
- A fireworks warehouse exploded on July 1, 2025, in Esparto, Yolo County, killing seven workers and destroying multiple buildings over 80 acres.
- The explosion took place on property owned by Yolo County Lieutenant Sam Machado, who sustained injuries and lost his home in the incident; as a result, both he and his wife were recently suspended from their duties pending the ongoing investigation.
- Authorities found the company Devastating Pyrotechnics lacked local permits in an Agricultural Intensive zone prohibiting fireworks storage and imported large amounts of chemicals used for explosives.
- California's State Fire Marshal and the ATF are leading a thorough investigation described as complex and sensitive, with license suspensions announced and searches linked to the company conducted last week.
- The investigation is ongoing with Yolo County Sheriff's Office limited to site security, while families seek answers represented by legal counsel, reflecting the event's lasting community impact.
13 Articles
13 Articles


California authorities suspend pyrotechnics licenses of two men associated with fatal fireworks storage site explosion
By Katy St. Clair, Bay City News Authorities have suspended the pyrotechnic licenses of two men following the devastating explosion and fire at a fireworks storage facility in Yolo County earlier this month, Cal Fire said Tuesday. RELATED: Fireworks explosion: East Bay brothers identified as two of seven victims The July 1 explosion near Esparto leveled at least one building and ignited a 78-acre fire in an agricultural area about 40 miles north…
California suspends licenses of fireworks companies in deadly Esparto explosions
The California Office of the State Fire Marshal has suspended the pyrotechnic licenses linked to a facility in Esparto where a series of explosions killed seven people two weeks ago.
'Loophole' and import records behind Esparto fireworks blasts
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A Taft man who sustained massive burns on June 29 died accidentally after an explosion went off while he was making black powder fireworks, the Kern County coroner’s office said Monday.
Esparto Fireworks Facility Explosion | Yolo County Sheriff clarifies agency's role in investigation
Nearly two weeks after the deadly explosion at a fireworks facility in Esparto, Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez clarified his agency's involvement in the investigation and the close connection of two of his employees.
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