Esparto, CA — Authorities are searching for seven people still missing following a massive explosion and fire that erupted Monday evening at a fireworks warehouse in rural Yolo County. The blast, which occurred around 6 p.m. at a facility operated by Devastating Pyrotechnics near the town of Esparto, triggered widespread destruction, ignited multiple wildfires, and shook surrounding communities.
Explosion Devastates Facility, Sparks Fires
Witnesses described a deafening boom followed by a cascade of fireworks lighting up the sky as the warehouse went up in flames. The explosion leveled parts of the facility and set off fires across nearby grasslands, burning more than 80 acres. Fireworks continued to detonate uncontrollably for hours, hampering initial emergency response efforts.
Two individuals were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. However, seven workers remain unaccounted for, with search efforts complicated by hazardous conditions on-site. Authorities say the area remains too dangerous for ground crews due to structural instability and the continued risk of secondary explosions.
Young Worker Among the Missing
Among those missing is 18-year-old Jesus Ramos, who was reportedly working his first day at the warehouse when the explosion occurred. His girlfriend, Syanna Ruiz, who is pregnant with their child, made an emotional plea to the media.
“We have a baby on the way. I just want him to come home,” Ruiz said through tears.
Family members have also identified Johnny Ramos and Junior Melendez—believed to be relatives of Jesus—as among those missing. Authorities have yet to release official names of all seven missing individuals pending confirmation and notification of next of kin.
Response and Investigation
State and federal agencies, including Cal Fire, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are investigating the cause of the explosion. Drone surveillance and aircraft are being used to assess the area, but unstable debris and ongoing fire hazards have delayed a full search of the site.
Cal Fire Division Chief Curtis Lawrence described the destruction as “catastrophic,” noting debris was scattered across several acres. Officials emphasized that public safety remains the top priority before teams can conduct on-the-ground recovery efforts.
The warehouse, owned by Devastating Pyrotechnics, was licensed to store and distribute pyrotechnics and had been preparing for multiple Independence Day events across Northern California. In a statement, the company said:
“Our thoughts are with the individuals and families impacted by this tragic event. We are cooperating fully with investigators to determine the cause.”
Community Reels from Loss
The explosion has sent shockwaves through Esparto, a small agricultural community northwest of Sacramento. Power outages affected hundreds of homes, and fireworks shows planned in neighboring counties have been canceled due to the destruction of stored supplies.
Local residents have gathered to support families of the missing, holding vigils and creating makeshift memorials near the blast site. Several GoFundMe pages have also been launched to support those affected.
What Comes Next
Officials say it could be days before it is safe to begin full-scale recovery operations. The investigation is ongoing, and the ATF is expected to lead forensic efforts once the site is stabilized.
Until then, the focus remains on locating the missing and supporting families caught in the aftermath of one of the most devastating industrial explosions in the region’s recent history.
If you have information about the missing individuals or witnessed the explosion, contact the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (530) 668-5280.
