Cal Fire is near end of investigation into Esparto fireworks explosion, licenses
Cal Fire’s investigation into the fireworks licenses for two companies linked to the deadly explosion in Esparto last month will conclude in the next few days, California State Fire Marshal Dan Berlant said.
The investigation has two focuses, Berlant said. There’s an administrative investigation into whether either company was doing something they were not licensed to do and a criminal investigation focused on the cause of the explosion, he said.
The criminal investigation “is making really good progress,” Berlant said. “We are definitely on a really good track to finalize that.”
The administrative investigation into whether license-holders were doing something beyond what they had state permission to do will conclude next week.
The July 1 explosion, which killed seven people and sparked the 78-acre Oakdale Fire, is being investigated by Cal Fire and Cal-OSHA.
Cal Fire first suspended licenses to produce shows, import and wholesale fireworks held by the companies, Devastating Pyrotechnics and BlackStar Fireworks, two weeks after the explosion.
Under state law, those licenses can only be suspended after providing the license holder three days’ notice and the suspension cannot be longer than 30 days. Cal Fire announced the suspensions on July 15, so they’re required to make a decision shortly.
“The law requires us to be done within 30 days,” Berlant said. “And so that is what we have been working to do.”
Because each company holds three licenses, it’s possible some will be revoked and others restored. If Cal Fire revokes the licenses, Devastating Pyrotechnics owner Kenneth Chee and BlackStar Fireworks owner Craig Cutright could be fined and will be barred from reapplying for the licenses for one year.
Licenses can be revoked for a variety of reasons, including a license-holder breaking the law, not having local permits and creating a “fire nuisance,” an action that “may cause an increase of the hazard or menace of fire”.
License-holders can appeal a suspension or revocation, but neither company has done so, Berlant said.
When applying for and renewing their state licenses, both companies reported that they stored fireworks on the Esparto property for years, but they never received local permits as required by law.
The local fire protection and law enforcement agencies recused themselves from the investigation into the explosion due to conflicts of interest. The explosion occurred on a property owned by Sam Machado, a lieutenant in the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office. BlackStar Fireworks is owned by Cutright, a volunteer firefighter for the Esparto Fire Protection District.
Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta declined to take over any potential criminal cases from Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, despite repeated requests from Reisig and a written request from the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.
Berlant’s office has been in discussions with lawmakers and their staffs, as well as industry and safety experts, to review state fireworks laws. “There may be some recommended updates within our regulatory authority,” he said.
“Any changes to the laws itself will require the legislature to make a determination, as my job is to implement the law as written.”
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 3:48 PM.
