Esparto: At least seven people were missing Wednesday after a fireworks warehouse in Northern California exploded in a large fireball, NBC News reported, citing officials. Firefighters arrived around 5.50 p.m. Tuesday in the town of Esparto, northwest of Sacramento, and they found several buildings on fire and many explosions happening in the area, according to Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Esparto Fire Protection District and the State Fire Marshal’s Office stated that first responders and investigators are working diligently with the property owner to determine the whereabouts of the missing individuals. The officials noted that the owner of the warehouse holds an active pyrotechnic license, and the investigation will focus on ensuring that all activities at the facility complied with licensing requirements.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with authorities still trying to piece together the events leading up to the incident. Lawrence reported that the fire resulted in several spot fires which spread over approximately 80 acres.
Esparto, a small town of about 3,000 residents, is located around 30 miles northwest of Sacramento. The local community is on edge as the search for the missing continues.