A series of explosions at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, Yolo County, ignited a significant fire on Tuesday evening, July 1, 2025, prompting immediate evacuations.
The incident occurred near County Roads 23 and 86A, with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office confirming the facility as the source.
Starting around 5:50 p.m., the explosions triggered fires that spread to multiple structures and nearby vegetation, burning approximately 80 acres, according to the Esparto Fire Protection District.
Thick black smoke, visible for miles and reaching 10,000 to 15,000 feet, filled the sky, with dramatic visuals of fireworks erupting amid the blaze circulating on social media.
Yolo County officials ordered mandatory evacuations for a one-mile area south of Highway 16, from Interstate 505 to County Road 85B, including the small community of Madison.
Roads leading to the facility were closed to ensure safety.
Cal Fire deployed ground crews and aircraft, with a helicopter redirected from a nearby Vacaville fire to assist.
The response was swift, but the ongoing explosions complicated firefighting efforts.
Pacific Gas and Electric reported nearly 2,200 customers in the area lost power, with restoration expected by 1:15 a.m. Wednesday.
Residents reported intense effects, with some describing their homes shaking as if during an earthquake and windows rattling from at least two distinct explosions.
Concerns grew among locals, with some unable to contact loved ones believed to be inside the facility at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not yet confirmed any injuries or fatalities.
The scale of the fire, combined with the dramatic visuals captured by news helicopters, underscored the severity of the event in this rural town, located about 35 miles northwest of Sacramento.