Seven people are missing after a powerful explosion hit a fireworks facility in Esparto, California, on Tuesday evening. The blast occurred just before 6 p.m. at a site where commercial fireworks were being stored. At least two people were injured, and hundreds lost power in Yolo County as officials issued evacuation orders.
Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence confirmed during a Wednesday news conference that firefighters initially entered the site but later pulled back. “The severity and the risks that were there” forced them out, he said. Firefighters have not gone back inside and are instead using drones to scan the debris.
“It is still unknown if the missing people were workers at the facility. I can say I have not seen anything like this,” Lawrence said. “This is obviously an incident of great magnitude.”
He added, “My next priority is to work with the command team. We want to reduce the exclusion zone, get people back into their homes, and restore power in the area once it’s safe.”
He praised first responders: “Our agency, being here in a small community, we are primarily volunteer agencies. I would be remiss if I didn’t add that I’m really thankful and proud of all of our responders who stepped up yesterday, and even today, and came out here. โฆ We appreciate all the responders and the mutual aid partners that came and assisted us.”
Video Source: foxnews.com
CAL FIRE stated the building belonged to a licensed pyrotechnic operator, but the owner’s name is not yet public. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is leading the investigation. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed an arson and bomb unit is on-site.
CAL FIRE reported on Wednesday afternoon that 78.3 acres had burned. Containment is currently at 0%. Officials have not shared what caused the fire. Only a few fire units remained at the site by that time, down from more than 30 initially.
Stay tuned toย Brandsynarioย for the latest news and updates.