Investigation continues as the OSFM works to determine cause of explosion
“Thank you to OSFM for taking the time to be thorough in detecting the origin and cause of the explosion that tragically took the lives of seven people. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this horrific event.”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
| SACRAMENTO – – On July 15, 2025, CAL FIRE announced that as part of the ongoing investigation into the origin and cause of the Esparto pyrotechnics facility explosion, the CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has taken action to suspend the pyrotechnic licenses of Kenneth Chee of Devastating Pyrotechnics Inc. and Craig Cutright of Blackstar Fireworks who were identified in conjunction with the facility. The CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal is conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation and states that it remains committed to keeping the public informed and will release relevant information that does not affect the integrity of the ongoing investigation as it becomes available. |
| “While our Arson & Bomb Investigators have completed their evidence collection from the explosion site, the investigation remains very active,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. “We continue to remain laser focused on this investigation as the family and the community deserve answers. The effort to find the cause can take time, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide a thorough and accurate investigation.” On July 1, 2025, the Esparto Fire Protection District Fire Chief, acting as Incident Commander, requested CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal take the lead on investigating the origin and cause of an explosion at a pyrotechnics facility in Yolo County, named the Oakdale Incident. |
