In rural northern California, a devastating explosion at a fireworks warehouse has left seven individuals unaccounted for, as reported by US authorities. The explosion ignited a massive fire, which quickly spread to nearby agricultural fields, prompting the evacuation of local residents.
Emergency services and investigators are collaborating closely with the property owner, utilising drones to search for the missing individuals. It remains unclear whether they were employees at the warehouse or residents nearby.
Following the explosion on Tuesday night, residents have been advised to steer clear of the vicinity. The blast not only triggered an onslaught of fireworks but also caused significant destruction to the warehouse, located near Esparto in Yolo County, roughly 64 kilometres north-west of Sacramento. Both the nature of the explosion and its cause are currently being investigated by officials.
According to the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, the full extinguishing of the fire will take some time, and once it has cooled down, explosives experts will need to enter the site to thoroughly assess and secure the area. As of Wednesday morning, the fire had scorched around 80 acres and damaged adjacent farmlands.
The property is owned by an individual holding an active pyrotechnic license, and Cal Fire has noted that incidents of this nature are rare. Facilities like this one are mandated to adhere rigorously to both state and federal regulations concerning pyrotechnics and explosive storage.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office is closely monitoring the situation, with state ground and aerial resources mobilised to assist in the response efforts. Additionally, the State Fire Marshal has dispatched a team specialised in arson and bomb investigations to the scene, with further assistance available if required.
Nearby counties, including Sutter and Yuba, are reconsidering their Fourth of July festivities plans, as their fireworks were destroyed due to the explosion.