[07-01-2025] Yolo County, CA – Fireworks Facility Explosion in Esparto Leaves One Dead, Multiple Missing

A deadly explosion at a fireworks facility in Esparto, Yolo County, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, left at least one person dead and several others missing.

The blast occurred around 6:00 p.m. at a facility operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics near Highway 16 and Oakdale Ranch Lane.

The explosion triggered a 78-acre wildfire, known as the Oakdale Fire, which caused power outages for approximately 2,000 residents and forced evacuations.

Emergency responders had not yet entered the site by Wednesday evening due to ongoing explosive hazards. Officials said the area remained unstable, with small explosions continuing to occur as fire crews worked to mitigate the risks before recovery operations could begin.

A law enforcement source confirmed one fatality but stated it was unclear if the deceased was among the seven individuals still reported missing. Devastating Pyrotechnics released a statement suggesting more than one person may have been killed.

Two people were injured in the incident, according to Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence. The victims’ identities and employment status were not immediately disclosed.

Authorities said the blast flattened the building and scattered debris across the property. Another company, Blackstar Fireworks Inc., was also licensed at the site. A source familiar with the investigation said the building that exploded was not an approved storage area.

Cal Fire, the ATF, and the state fire marshal’s arson and bomb investigation teams are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Officials are also working with the facility’s owner and using aerial surveillance to search for the missing.

Relatives of missing workers gathered in Esparto seeking answers. One woman said her boyfriend, 18-year-old Jesus R., had just started his first day at the facility and had not been heard from since the explosion. Another man said three of his sons were working at the warehouse, two of whom had also just started that day.

Due to the destruction caused by fireworks at the facility, several localities, including Sutter and Yuba counties, announced the cancellation of planned Fourth of July shows. Cities such as Cloverdale, Lodi, San Jose, and St. Helena followed suit.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

Talk To A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Yolo County To Learn About Your Rights

Workplace explosions can lead to life-changing injuries, emotional distress, and overwhelming uncertainty for both injured workers and their families. When serious harm occurs on the job, understanding how to pursue workers’ compensation may be an important step toward recovery and financial support.

Workers’ compensation lawyers in Yolo County may help by guiding injured employees through claim filing, ensuring medical treatment is documented properly, and addressing benefit denials or delays. For families who lost a loved one in a workplace incident, legal professionals can also explain how to seek death benefits and other possible options under California law.

The legal process after a workplace disaster may feel confusing or intimidating. Speaking with an attorney can offer clarity, help protect your rights, and ensure important deadlines are met.

To learn more, call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have a Case?” form to schedule a free consultation.

Steps To Take After A Workplace Explosion

An explosion at a job site can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting uncertainty. When workers are involved in an industrial accident, knowing what to do next may help protect their health, their rights, and their access to benefits. The following steps may offer guidance for individuals affected by a workplace explosion.

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
   Health and safety come first. Anyone injured should receive emergency care as soon as possible. Medical records from the earliest moments after an incident may also support a workers’ compensation claim.
2. Report The Incident To A Supervisor Or Employer
   California law requires employees to notify their employer about a workplace injury within a certain timeframe. Even in cases where emergency services are involved, injured workers or their families should make sure the employer is aware that the injury occurred on the job.
3. Request A Claim Form
   Injured workers may request a DWC-1 form from their employer to begin the workers’ compensation process. Filing the form is a necessary step in receiving medical benefits, temporary disability payments, or death benefits for surviving family members.
4. Document As Much As Possible
   If possible, gather information about the workplace conditions, safety practices, and witness accounts. Even photos of the site, job duties, or employment records can help support a claim later.
5. Avoid Signing Documents Without Legal Guidance
   Some injured workers or grieving family members may receive forms or settlement offers soon after an incident. Before signing anything, consider speaking with a legal professional who can review the documents and explain what options may be available.
6. Speak With A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
   An attorney who handles workplace injury cases can help file the correct forms, manage communication with insurance carriers, and pursue additional benefits when appropriate. Legal guidance may be especially important in cases involving explosions, unsafe working conditions, or unclear liability.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

In 2023, the United States recorded 5,283 fatal work injuries. The fatal injury rate was 3.5 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. Although this was a slight decrease from the year before, fatal workplace events remain a serious concern across high-risk industries.

Transportation incidents continued to be the leading cause of on-the-job deaths, but violent acts and hazardous environments also contributed to hundreds of fatalities. A total of 740 deaths were linked to violent incidents at work. Explosive materials, unstable storage, and dangerous job sites remain key safety risks in industrial settings.

In many fatal cases, emergency responders faced challenges in reaching victims due to ongoing hazards at the site. Delayed rescue efforts are common in environments with fire, structural damage, or chemical exposure. These risks may apply to facilities that store fireworks, chemicals, or other volatile materials.

The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, helps highlight the need for strict safety protocols, routine inspections, and rapid response systems in dangerous workplaces. Legal protections may be available for workers who are injured and for families who lose loved ones in incidents involving employer negligence or unsafe conditions.