Fireworks Warehouse Explodes in Yolo County California Prompting Evacuations and Massive Fire Response

 

A warehouse storing fireworks in Yolo County California exploded on Tuesday evening sparking a massive fire and launching debris and fireworks into the sky. The incident occurred near the community of Esparto about 30 miles northwest of Sacramento. The Yolo County Sheriff's Office reported that the warehouse exploded and was actively burning with residents urged to avoid the area. Firefighters responded around 5:50 p.m. to find multiple commercial buildings already engulfed in flames along with several explosions and numerous spot fires in the vicinity. Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence confirmed that several structures were affected but did not comment on any injuries saying that the situation was still under investigation. Video footage from NBC affiliate KCRA showed the intense scene with white smoke streaming from the building followed by a massive fireball and repeated aerial detonations of fireworks. The fire caused spot fires over an estimated 80 acres as reported by Lawrence. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection also known as Cal Fire responded to the commercial and vegetation fire and is investigating the cause of the explosion. The sheriff's office stated there was no indication of criminal activity and drones were being used to assess the damage. An evacuation order was issued for the area affected by what officials have designated as the Oakdale Fire. While some residents were permitted to return Tuesday night areas south of Highway 16 remained under evacuation orders. The explosion occurred near the border of Esparto and Madison a small area to the east. The community of Esparto has a population of approximately 3000. As of Tuesday night the fire remained active with multiple agencies involved in containment and investigation efforts.

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