Chico cancels July 4 event after ‘unpermitted' fireworks warehouse explodes
Silver Dollar Speedway
in
Chico
, Northern California, has been canceled following a warehouse explosion that destroyed the event's fireworks supply. According to a press release from Speedway officials, the fireworks were destroyed in an explosion that occurred on Tuesday, July 1, at a warehouse in Esparto, Yolo County.
The celebration had been scheduled to feature auto racing followed by a fireworks display. Refunds for all tickets will be processed automatically.
Authorities have not released further details about the explosion, but seven individuals remain missing. The fireworks supplier,
Devastating Pyrotechnics
, issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming their cooperation with investigators.
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'Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community,' the company stated.
The law firm representing the company, Douglas Horngrad Law Office, briefed KRCR on the circumstances surrounding the fire and declined to offer further details, citing the ongoing investigation.
Live Events
Silver Dollar Speedway also extended its condolences to those affected, stating: 'We want to send our heartfelt, sincere wishes as they deal with this destructive disaster.'
In light of the cancellation, Chico city officials are reminding residents that all types of fireworks are illegal within city limits, including "safe and sane" varieties. Violations could lead to significant fines and up to six months in county jail.
Use or possession of fireworks outside of designated areas such as Oroville, Gridley, and Biggs is prohibited throughout Butte County.
For residents still seeking to celebrate, authorities encourage alternatives such as glow sticks, noisemakers, or coordinated drone light displays.
Despite the cancellation in Chico, a fireworks show is still scheduled for the evening at Table Mountain Golf Course in Oroville.
KCRA 3 Investigation revealed that the Esparto facility, used by the fireworks company Devastating Pyrotechnics, operated on land not zoned for fireworks storage.
Yolo County records list the property's zoning as "Agricultural Intensive," specifically for almond production. The Yolo County Planning Commission confirmed no conditional use permit was issued to allow commercial storage at the site.
Who is the owner of the Esparto warehouse?
The KCRA 3 investigation also reveals that Sam Machado, a Yolo County Sheriff's Office lieutenant, owns the property.
The fireworks stored there were for Devastating Pyrotechnics and BlackStar Fireworks, both linked to Craig Cutright, who is listed as the owner of BlackStar and an employee of Devastating Pyrotechnics. Cutright also volunteers with the Esparto Fire Protection District.
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