As part of the ongoing investigation into the origin and cause of the Esparto pyrotechnics facility explosion, the Cal Fire-Office of the State Fire Marshal, or OSFM, has taken action to suspend the pyrotechnic licenses of Kenneth Chee of Devastating Pyrotechnics Inc. and Craig Cutright of Blackstar Fireworks who were identified in conjunction with the facility.

The Cal Fire-Office of the State Fire Marshal is conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation and cannot comment on specific details related to the investigation at this time. 

“The OSFM remains committed to keeping the public informed and will release relevant information that does not affect the integrity of the ongoing investigation as it becomes available,” Cal Fire said in its announcement.

“While our arson and bomb investigators have completed their evidence collection from the explosion site, the investigation remains very active,” said California State Fire Marshal Chief Daniel Berlant. “We continue to remain laser focused on this investigation as the family and the community deserve answers. The effort to find the cause can take time, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide a thorough and accurate investigation.”

On July 1, the Esparto Fire Protection District Fire Chief, acting as incident commander, requested OSFM take the lead on investigating the origin and cause of an explosion at a pyrotechnics facility in Yolo County, named the Oakdale Incident.

OSFM said this type of incident is very rare as facilities like this are required to follow California fireworks/pyrotechnic devices storage requirements: Title 19, California Code of Regulations, Division 1, Chapter 6, Article 8 and Federal explosive storage requirements, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 27, Part 555, Subpart K.