YOLO COUNTY – An explosion and fire at a pyrotechnics facility in Yolo County on July 2, 2025 is under investigation by CALFIRE’s Office of State Fire Marshal.  The pyrotechnics involved in the blast created a danger for emergency response crews and investigative personnel who were attempting to put out the flames and locate the bodies of seven people reported missing.

The Esparto Fire Protection District requested that arson and bomb investigators from CALFIRE’s Office of the State Fire Marshal lead the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.  Due to hazardous conditions and potential danger, investigators, at one point, used unmanned air craft systems to assist with their response and effort to locate any victims.

“These types of investigations are very detailed and take time,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “This was a very dangerous scene and involved respectfully recovering the bodies of seven individuals whose families are hurting deeply.  Our thoughts are with all who are impacted by this tragic event, including the first responders and other public safety professionals who have been working to keep everyone safe in this area.”