On Tuesday evening, around 6 p.m. local time, a towering explosion ripped through a commercial fireworks warehouse near Esparto in Yolo County, northern California. The blast triggered a series of secondary detonations from stored pyrotechnics as far as 78–80 acres of surrounding vegetation ignited in what is now being referred to as the Oakdale Fire pedia.o
Environmental and Community Impact
Flames and billowing smoke—reaching up to 15,000 feet—were visible from miles away. Homeowners reported shaking ground and windows rattling, with many initially mistaking the blast for an earthquake nypost.com+1thescottishsun.co.uk+1. The explosion prompted a one-mile evacuation zone encompassing parts of Esparto and nearby Madison, shutting down roads and leaving some 150 customers without power nypost.com+2cbsnews.com+2sfchronicle.com+2.
Crews Respond
Fire crews from Esparto, Madison, Winters, and Cal Fire (both air and ground units) quickly tackled the blaze. By about 7:30 p.m., forward progress was stopped, though crews battled lingering “hot spots” into the night reuters.com+8sfchronicle.com+8thescottishsun.co.uk+8. The State Fire Marshal’s arson and bomb investigation team and ATF agents also arrived, and drones were deployed to assess the unstable scene safely
Casualties and Missing
As of Wednesday, no firefighters were injured, though two individuals suffered injuries in the initial blast and are being treated However, seven people remain missing—possibly warehouse employees—confirmed by Cal Fire and Yolo County officials. Drones are being used to locate them, as conditions inside the wreckage are still considered dangerous nInvestigation Underway
Officials emphasized that access to the site remains restricted until crews can safely enter post-cooling and explosives containment Early indications suggest the facility was operated by a licensed pyrotechnics holder ﹣ but investigators are verifying compliance with state and federal safety protocols
State officials, including Governor Newsom’s office, are monitoring the incident closely. Ground and aerial support have been deployed, and the State Fire Marshal’s team is expected to release more findings as they emerge
Context & Risk
The explosion comes just days before Independence Day—when fireworks use peaks and wildfire risk is already high. Officials warn that uncontrolled pyrotechnic stockpiles pose a significant threat to both lives and property
Moving Forward
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area until it’s deemed safe. Power outages, traffic closures, and evacuations remain in effect. Investigators are expected to issue a preliminary report in the coming days; however, a full investigation may take months, as seen in past fireworks facility explosions ﹣ including the 1983 Benton, TN and 1986 Bayview, SF incidents .