Seven Missing After Massive Fireworks Explosion in Northern California

A massive explosion and fire at a licensed fireworks warehouse in the rural community of Esparto, Northern California, left seven people unaccounted for and forced evacuations in the surrounding area. The explosion, which occurred Tuesday evening, ignited multiple spot fires and caused a building collapse, power outages, and damage to nearby homes and vehicles. Firefighters, supported by Cal Fire aircraft and helicopters, have been battling the blaze, which has burned roughly 78 acres and remained uncontained as of Wednesday morning. Authorities are working closely with the property owner and deploying aerial surveillance to locate the missing individuals, though it is unclear if they were employees or residents nearby. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with officials reviewing compliance with California's strict pyrotechnic and federal explosive storage requirements, and state fire marshal and bomb/arson investigation teams have been deployed. Evacuation orders remain in effect, and the area will stay closed until explosive experts confirm it is safe.