Updated on July 7, 2025: According to CBS, Yolo County officials confirmed on the afternoon of July 5th that the remains of all missing seven workers were discovered. It was also discovered that the Devastating Pyrotechnics’ warehouse in Esparto was not permitted to store fireworks. According to The Guardian, Five of the victims have been identified by family and community members as Jesus Ramos, Johnny Ramos, Joel “Junior” Melendez, Angel Voller, and Carlos Rodriguez. The identities of two others remain unconfirmed.
Updated on July 4, 2025: According to KCRA, one of the other possible unaccounted for is Neil Li, the general manager of Devastating Pyrotechnics. Human remains have been found at the explosion site but the sheriff’s office has not positively identified any of the remains.
Updated on July 3, 2025: According to the SF Chronicle, one death has been reported. Through loved ones, KCRA has identified Carlos Javier Rodriguez (41) as another possible person as part of the unaccounted for.
Update on July 2, 2025: According to CBS, seven people are still unaccounted for after the explosion at the Esparto fireworks facility, Devastating Pyrotechnics. Jesus Ramos (18), Johnny Ramos (22), and Junior Melendez (28) are three of the possible people unaccounted for. Officials have not confirmed the identities. We’ll keep monitoring the Oakdale Fire and share updates as they emerge.
On Tuesday afternoon, July 1, 2025, a powerful explosion tore through a commercial fireworks warehouse in Esparto, Yolo County, about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento. The blast triggered a massive fire that sent smoke plumes soaring between 10,000–15,000 feet and ignited surrounding vegetation, consuming roughly 78 acres before firefighters were able to halt its spread.
Multiple emergency agencies, including local fire departments from Esparto, Madison, Winters, and Cal Fire units, responded to the scene. A one-mile evacuation zone was enforced, nearby roads were closed, and residents were urged to stay clear while crews worked diligently. Authorities confirm that no injuries have been reported so far, and investigations into the explosion’s cause are still underway.
At Singleton Schreiber, we handle both tragic wrongful death cases and fire-related property loss claims, including house fires and burn downs caused by negligence. If your family was affected by the Esparto explosion, call us today to learn more about how we can help you.
The Importance of Safety at a Fireworks Facility
Incidents like the fireworks explosion at Esparto highlight the critical importance of safety. When hazardous materials are stored near residential or commercial areas, strict safety protocols must be followed to prevent catastrophic outcomes. The fact that a one-mile evacuation zone was needed underscores just how dangerous the situation was, not only due to the initial blast, but also because of the toxic smoke, flying debris, and potential for secondary fires.
KCR3 spoke with fireworks accident expert, Richard Meier, who stressed that safety protocols typically include proper spacing between storage containers, minimizing ignition risks nearby, and ensuring the area is equipped with sufficient fire protection and firefighting resources are all key factors that should be closely examined in incidents like this.
Why a Personal Injury Lawyer from Singleton Schreiber May Be Needed
With the heartbreaking confirmation of at least one death, this incident is no longer just about property damage – it’s a tragic loss of life. Singleton Schreiber has extensive experience representing families in wrongful death cases involving industrial negligence, as well as those whose homes have been damaged in preventable fires.
While it’s fortunate that no other deaths or injuries have been reported, the magnitude of the explosion and its fallout such as evacuations, smoke exposure, emotional trauma, and possible property damage, could still result in significant personal and financial harm. Victims may face delayed symptoms, disruptions to work or home life, or costly repairs.
“Our firm has extensive experience with catastrophic fire cases across the western United States,” said Gerald Singleton, managing partner of Singleton Schreiber. “We understand how devastating these incidents can be, whether they result in loss of life, severe injury, or total property loss. We are committed to helping families seek justice, answers, and accountability in the aftermath of preventable tragedies like this one.”
If your family has suffered a wrongful death or your home was damaged as a result of the Esparto explosion, contact Singleton Schreiber for a free consultation and learn more about your options.
