A Riverside county fire truck turns away from the flames of the Hughes Fire on Lake Hughes road, in Castaic, a northwestern neighborhood of Los Angeles County, California, on January 22, 2025. A new wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on January 22, exploding in size and sparking thousands of evacuation orders in a region already staggering from the effects of huge blazes. Ferocious flames were devouring hillsides near Castaic Lake, spreading rapidly to cover 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) in just over two hours. The fire was being fanned by strong, dry Santa Ana winds that were racing through the area, pushing a vast pall of smoke and embers ahead of the flames. Evacuations were ordered for 19,000 people all around the lake, which sits around 35 miles north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita. (Photo by Apu GOMES / AFP) (Photo by APU GOMES/AFP via Getty Images)
Esparto, California – Rescue crews continued searching Thursday for seven people still unaccounted for following a devastating explosion at a fireworks warehouse in rural Esparto, a small farming community about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento. The blast, which occurred Tuesday night, leveled a building, set off a chain of fireworks, and ignited a wildfire that scorched nearly 80 acres of surrounding farmland.
The scene remains dangerous, with sporadic explosions still echoing from the blast site as investigators and emergency personnel work cautiously to navigate the wreckage. Drones have been deployed to assist in the search, and a team from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is on the ground to support recovery and investigation efforts.
At a sheriff’s checkpoint roughly a mile from the site, families of the missing wait anxiously for updates. Among them is Syanna Ruiz, who is pregnant and searching for her boyfriend, 18-year-old Jesus Ramos. Ramos was reportedly working his first day at the warehouse when the explosion occurred. “I’m just praying to God that some way, somehow, they’re OK,” Ruiz told the Sacramento Bee.
Authorities have not confirmed whether those still missing were employees of the warehouse or local residents. Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence said two people were injured and have received medical care, but did not provide further details.
The business, Devastating Pyrotechnics, released a brief statement expressing sorrow and support for the victims and their families. “Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community,” the company said. “We will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.”
Cal Fire confirmed that the property was operated by an active pyrotechnic license holder and emphasized that incidents like this are rare due to stringent state and federal safety regulations. Still, the sheer force of the explosion — which local resident Nisa Gutierrez described as a shockwave that blew open her doors and sent her livestock scattering — has left the community shaken.
The fallout has already begun to ripple beyond Esparto. Officials in neighboring Sutter and Yuba counties announced that they are scrambling to find alternatives for Fourth of July celebrations after the destruction of their fireworks stockpiles, which were being held at the Esparto facility.
“This tragic incident is a sobering reminder of the many hands behind the scenes who help create joy for others,” they said in a joint statement.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said state investigators and resources have been deployed, and officials are prepared to expand support as the search and investigation continue.
