A powerful explosion tore through a fireworks storage warehouse in Yolo County, California, on Tuesday evening, igniting a large fire and prompting the declaration of a one-mile evacuation zone. The blast occurred near the Esparto-Madison area, northwest of Sacramento, and sent plumes of smoke tens of thousands of feet into the sky, visible for miles.

In a statement, the Yolo County Sheriff's office said, "As many of you may have heard, there was a significant explosion earlier today near the Esparto/Madison area… A warehouse storing fireworks exploded and is still actively burning. We urge everyone to avoid the area so that fire crews and emergency responders can safely do their work. A one-mile evacuation area has been placed around the scene."

🚨BREAKING: A huge explosion just erupted at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County, California.
pic.twitter.com/qwTkOorCRW

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 2, 2025

Firefighters from Esparto, Madison, Winters, and Cal Fire, along with aerial support, responded to the blaze, now identified as the Oakdale Fire. By 7:30 pm, crews had stopped the forward spread of the flames, which burned approximately 78 to 80 acres of dry grassland and brush.

Residents in the immediate area were ordered to evacuate as emergency crews battled the fire. Authorities later permitted some to return once the situation had stabilized, and no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.

Witnesses described the explosion as powerful. “All we felt was everything shake,” said local resident Bryan Sandoval. Videos shared online showed fireworks erupting from the burning site, igniting spot fires in surrounding fields.

BREAKING: Yolo County, California — Several firefighters are responding to a massive explosion at a fireworks facility, according to the Winters Fire Department.

Around 6 p.m., officials said they were investigating the cause of the large explosions near the Esparto and Madison… pic.twitter.com/VQGbU0Phwo

— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) July 2, 2025

Risk of fireworks 

The incident occurred just days ahead of the July 4th holiday, a period already marked by heightened concerns over fireworks safety and wildfire risk in California. The proximity of the facility to residential areas and the timing of the explosion have raised alarms about the regulation and oversight of fireworks storage in fire-prone regions.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion, and a formal investigation has been launched by the California State Fire Marshal’s arson and bomb investigation unit, which is also reviewing the warehouse’s licensing and compliance with pyrotechnic safety standards.

Officials are urging residents to steer clear of the area while emergency crews and investigators continue their work. The blast has reignited debate over the risks posed by fireworks facilities located near populated and wildfire-vulnerable zones.

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