Firefighting aircraft drops fire retardant on the Wolf Fire near Highway 243 in Banning, Calif., on Monday, June 30, 2025.
Esparto, California – A fireworks warehouse explosion in rural Northern California triggered a massive fire and multiple secondary blasts Tuesday evening, blanketing the sky in black smoke and sending residents fleeing as emergency crews scrambled to contain a fast-moving blaze.
The incident occurred just before 6 p.m. near the small farming community of Esparto, located about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento. Officials say the blast originated at a facility believed to be operated by a licensed pyrotechnics company, though the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
“The fire will take time to cool,” the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office said late Tuesday. “Once it does, explosive experts must safely enter the site to assess and secure the area.” As of Wednesday morning, the fire had consumed approximately 78 acres of agricultural land and commercial structures. Multiple evacuation orders were issued, and while some residents in Madison and the nearby migrant housing center have been allowed to return, officials warn the area remains unstable and dangerous.
Footage from the scene shows not just a fire but a prolonged, chaotic barrage of fireworks—rockets, shells, and colorful bursts exploding uncontrollably into the evening sky as flames licked through debris. Authorities confirmed the fire led to numerous spot fires, complicating containment efforts. The warehouse itself has collapsed.
“This type of incident is very rare,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Kara Garrett. “Facilities like this are required to follow both California’s stringent pyrotechnic laws and federal explosive storage regulations.”
No injuries have been reported so far, but officials have expressed concern about the risks still present at the scene, including unexploded materials. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) has deployed both ground and air resources to battle the fire, which remains active.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement late Tuesday saying the administration is “closely tracking” the situation and has dispatched arson and bomb investigation teams from the State Fire Marshal’s office. “We stand ready to provide additional support as needed,” the statement read.
For residents of Esparto and the surrounding farmland, the explosion and fire came without warning—transforming a quiet summer evening into a night of panic and firestorm. Even as flames are brought under control, the eerie aftermath has left a deep mark on the area.
Officials continue to urge the public to steer clear of the site for several days to ensure the safety of both emergency crews and nearby communities.
