Search warrant served on SF house in connection with fireworks blast

By Daniel Lempres | Sacramento Bee

Law enforcement officers raided a San Francisco home Tuesday associated with Devastating Pyrotechnics, the fireworks company linked to a deadly explosion last week in Esparto.

The raid involved personnel from the San Francisco Police Department as well as bomb squad personnel from Sacramento and Yolo counties’ sheriff’s offices. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed members of its explosives ordinance and disposal team were present during the mid-day operation.

“Our EOD team was in San Francisco on a mutual aid request in relation to the Esparto Fire,” said Det. Sina Ghaffarpour, a spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. He directed further questions about the raid to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, which is leading the investigation into the blast and fire that killed seven people and injured two others.

A spokesperson for the state fire marshal declined to offer specifics about the raid or what authorities had sought or confiscated.

“Investigators are actively tracking down numerous leads and have served multiple search warrants as part of the investigation process,” Deputy State Fire Marshal Kara Garrett said in a statement. “While we are unable to provide additional details at this time, please know that we are committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation.”

State officials did not confirm the address that was raided, but Hoodline reported that the raid occurred on the 400 block of Second Avenue in the city’s Inner Richmond neighborhood. Hoodline reported the raid included members of the Yolo County sheriff’s crime scene investigation unit.

State explosives and public records show that Devastating Pyrotechnics is headquartered at a residence on the same street.

The address is registered to Jack Lee, who is in charge of product storage and security for Devastating. The property is also associated with Kenneth Chee, who is registered with the state fire marshal and is described as Devastating’s CEO and owner in public records.

The raid follows Monday’s announcement from Esparto Fire Protection District’s chief that the response is “slowly transitioning into a law enforcement-based incident” and local emergency declaration made by Yolo County supervisors earlier Tuesday, asking state and federal officials for following the blast, which was dubbed the Oakdale Fire, burning nearly 80 acres and destroying multiple buildings including at least two homes.