[ad_1]
New details are emerging in a deadly explosion at a fireworks warehouse in northern California, including the identity of the killed victim and property owned by a local deputy sheriff, which is not zoned to preserve the fireworks, according to multiple media reports.
The exact cause of the July 1 explosion in a warehouse in Esparto, a rural area about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento, is currently unknown.
The resulting flames ignited 80 acres of wildfires in nearby agricultural sectors, forcing residents to evacuate and destroying the warehouse itself.
According to SFGATE, another company with state records listed at the same address, BlackStar Fireworks, but catastrophic Pyrotechnics, a company that has an Active Pyrotechnics license and claims to have 30 years of experience in producing fireworks shows, reportedly owns a warehouse.
Backstar is reportedly owned by a man named Craig Cutright. Craig Cutright was also an employee of the late Fireworks in the Esparto Fire Protection District.
At a press conference Monday morning, Esparto Fire Protection District chief Curtis Lawrence said Cut Wright is currently on leave of absence.
The SFGate reported is that because the warehouse is sitting there, it is not zoned to store fireworks, and the property listed as “agricultural concentration” is deputy for the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office named Sammachad.
According to CBS News, his home on his property was destroyed by an explosion, but it is unclear whether he was injured or not.
County officials reportedly refused to answer questions about zoning issues, and when asked about Machado’s position, County Undersheriff Coroner Matt Davis, European County, told reporters it was a personnel matter.
In this image, taken from the video, smoke and flames rose from a fireworks warehouse explosion in Espart, California on July 1, 2025 (Hudson Sheet via AP) Fireworks explode in a fireworks warehouse near Espart, California. California, Tuesday, July 1st, 2025. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat by AP). Foscheck firefighters will drop Foscheck firefighters ahead of the county fire held in Espart, California on July 2, 2018. (Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The bodies of all seven victims have been reported missing after the explosion recovered on Saturday in what was called the “Adjusted Recovery” operation, and Davis said in a press conference Monday that DNA results are expected for official identification of those who died by Wednesday.
However, family and close friends have identified several victims, CBS News reported.
Marisol Ramos told the outlet that her two sons, 18-year-old Jose Ramos and 22-year-old Johnny Ramos and her brother-in-law, 28-year-old Junior Melendez, are among the dead.
The fathers of the two brothers, Johnny Ramos Sr. and Marisol, said they are worried about the planned destruction of unattacked fireworks on the site, fearing that they could likely destroy evidence as to who is responsible for the cause of the explosion.
“I lost two of my sons,” Ramos Sr. told CBS News. “I seek justice.”
Liana Lewis has identified another victim, 18-year-old Jesus Ramos. His girlfriend, she said she was pregnant with his child, and that was the first day of work at the 18-year-old warehouse, SFGate reported.
Carlos Rodriguez, 41, identified by his family, was described as a dedicated father, but Neil Lee is considered the general manager of catastrophic fireworks.
The family similarly identified Angel Voller among the dead. The seventh victim must be identified by a family member or local official.
The state fire service is continuing its investigation along with alcohol, cigarettes, firearms, explosives and other federal agencies.
[ad_2]Source link
