Seven individuals remain missing following a significant explosion at a fireworks warehouse in rural Northern California, which ignited a large fire that spread to nearby agricultural fields, prompting evacuations in the community. Emergency crews and investigators are collaborating with the property owner and utilizing drones to locate the missing persons, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
The specifics regarding whether the missing individuals were employees of the warehouse or residents in the vicinity have not been clarified. Following the explosion on Tuesday night, which triggered a series of fireworks and resulted in extensive fire damage, officials advised the public to steer clear of the area.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office noted that the fire would require time to cool down before explosive experts can safely access the site for evaluation and to secure the location. As of Wednesday morning, the fire had impacted nearly 80 acres of land and affected surrounding agricultural fields.
The warehouse is owned by a licensed pyrotechnic operator, and Cal Fire emphasized that incidents of this nature are quite rare due to the stringent regulatory requirements imposed on such facilities at both the state and federal levels.
The office of Governor Gavin Newsom is monitoring the situation, with state ground and aerial resources deployed. An arson and bomb investigation team from the State Fire Marshal has been dispatched and is prepared to offer further assistance as necessary. Additionally, officials in nearby Sutter and Yuba counties are considering alternative options for Fourth of July festivities after their fireworks supplies were destroyed in the explosion.
