Warehouse storing fireworks explodes in Yolo County, sparking blaze

YOLO COUNTY – A warehouse storing fireworks exploded Tuesday evening in Yolo County, sparking a vegetation fire and triggering evacuations, authorities said.

The Oakdale Fire was reported just after 6 p.m. near County Road 23 and County Road 86A in Esparto, a small rural town roughly 37 miles west of Sacramento, according to Cal Fire. As of 9:17 p.m., the blaze had charred 78 acres and was 0% contained.

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office described the explosion as “significant.” Video footage from the scene captured fireworks whizzing through the air and exploding.

An evacuation zone remained in place around the property as of 10:30 p.m., but residents of neighboring Madison and the Madison Migrant Center were allowed to return home, according to the sheriff’s office.

“The fire will take time to cool, and once it does, explosive experts must safely enter the site to assess and secure the area,” the sheriff’s office said in an incident update.

The sheriff’s office also urged the public to continue avoiding the area for the next several days “so that fire crews, law enforcement, and emergency personnel can do their jobs safely and effectively.”

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Check back for updates.