A massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, Northern California, has left seven people missing and two injured, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident occurred Tuesday evening when a fire broke out inside the facility.
California’s firefighting agency, Cal Fire, said rescue efforts are ongoing but dangerous. Firefighters have not yet entered the warehouse, as fireworks inside continue to pose the risk of further explosions.
Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence described the situation as “very complex and risky,” noting that large pieces of shrapnel were scattered over a wide area. A secure perimeter remains in place to protect first responders.
Despite their caution, some relatives of the missing voiced frustration. One woman emotionally interrupted a press conference, demanding answers about her boyfriend and two brothers-in-law, accusing emergency crews of delaying life-saving efforts.
Following the explosion, nearby towns have canceled their scheduled July 4th fireworks celebrations. Local officials cited safety concerns and the ongoing investigation into the blast.
Cal Fire emphasized that such incidents are rare, as facilities like this must meet strict California and federal regulations for pyrotechnic storage. Investigators continue working with the property owner to determine the cause of the explosion and locate the missing individuals.