As part of the ongoing investigation into the July 1 fireworks facility explosion in Esparto, Cal Fire – Office of the State Fire Marshal has taken action to revoke the various pyrotechnic licenses of the individuals and companies involved with the facility. 

Following a thorough administrative investigation, the State Fire Marshal determined there was evidence that Kenneth Chee, his company Devastating Pyrotechnics Inc., and Craig Cutright, and his company Blackstar Fireworks had violated California’s firework laws and regulations. 

“Since the explosion, our arson and bomb investigators and deputy state fire marshals have been laser focused on not only determining the circumstances leading up to the incident, but also whether or not the operators were working with their state issued licenses,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California state fire marshal. “While this concludes our administrative license investigation, we continue to make progress in the post blast investigation.”

The decision to revoke the operator’s licenses was based on the Office’s determination that several fireworks laws and regulations were violated including not filing proper importation documents to the office, not reporting lost fireworks, possession of fireworks without a local fire permit, and numerous additional allegations that remain part of the criminal investigation still underway.

This week’s action follows the recent announcement that the State Fire Marshal will be convening a Public Safety Fireworks Enforcement Task Force to thoroughly review existing fireworks enforcement efforts and state fireworks regulations. 

The Task Force will be asked to provide proposed amendments to the state’s regulations to enhance compliance and public safety. 

The group will also be tasked with creating a plan aimed to improve coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, increase public awareness and education, and strengthen penalties for violations. 

The Task Force’s work will be sent to Cal Fire – Office of the State Fire Marshal General Fireworks Advisory Committee to get industry and stakeholder feedback.