Massive Fireworks Explosion Rocks Esparto Causing Fires Power Outages and Evacuations

A series of powerful explosions leveled a fireworks storage facility in the Esparto area of Yolo County on Tuesday evening, triggering nearby evacuations, power outages, and widespread fires. The incident unfolded around 5:49 p.m. at the intersection of County Road 23 and County Road 86A, when a structure fire was first reported. Even before arriving on site, aerial footage revealed a towering column of thick black smoke visible from miles away.

The initial fire rapidly intensified as it ignited the fireworks stored at the facility, setting off multiple explosions that sent flames racing across the property. At least two homes and several vehicles were engulfed in the inferno, while the surrounding dry vegetation caught fire in several spots. Among the resulting blazes, Cal Fire designated one as the Oakdale Fire, which began at approximately 6:02 p.m. and had burned over 78 acres by early the next morning.

Firefighters on the ground faced extreme hazards as the explosions continued to rock the site for hours. Crews were forced to pull back and allow the fire to burn while establishing a secure perimeter around the blast zone. Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence confirmed during a late-night briefing that crews would remain on-site through the night to monitor the fire and contain smaller surrounding blazes.

Responding units from Cal Fire in Vacaville, located nearly 25 miles away, spotted the smoke and redirected personnel to assist. The Yolo County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the destroyed building was a fireworks warehouse, although the exact origin and contents are still under investigation. While there were questions about possible injuries, Chief Lawrence declined to provide specific details, stating that they would not be answering those inquiries at that time.

A one-mile evacuation order was issued for the area surrounding the fire. By 8:50 p.m., Yolo County officials allowed residents to return to the nearby town of Madison, though power outages persisted in the region. Pacific Gas & Electric Company reported that over 2,000 customers initially lost power, with full restoration efforts pushing late into the night. As of Wednesday morning, around 140 customers remained without electricity.

The State Fire Marshal deployed an arson and bomb investigation team to the site, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed it was actively monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration addressed rumors about a possible plane crash, clarifying that no aircraft incidents had been reported in the area and ruling out aviation involvement.

The explosions also raised questions about upcoming local fireworks shows, as a significant number of pyrotechnics were destroyed in the blast. Public records show a business named Devastating Pyrotechnics is associated with the address where the explosion occurred, though the company’s exact role remains unclear.

While reporters covering the fire were repeatedly moved back for safety, one journalist was broadcasting live when another large explosion erupted. Emergency personnel prioritized safety, ensuring that both media and bystanders stayed out of danger zones.

Despite the vast clouds of smoke, air quality in the area remained within healthy levels, according to data from PurpleAir. As investigations continue, the community is left shaken but fortunate that no widespread casualties have been confirmed.