California Fireworks Explosion Attorneys Worried About Trend

Two catastrophic fireworks explosions—one in Esparto, the other in Pacoima—have left communities shattered, lives lost, and attorneys deeply concerned about what appears to be a growing and preventable public safety crisis in California.

On July 1, 2025, a massive blast at a fireworks warehouse in the small Yolo County town of Esparto sent a column of smoke and fire billowing into the sky, triggering a wildfire, knocking out power, and prompting widespread evacuations.

The facility, reportedly operated by a company called Devastating Pyrotechnics, was not zoned for fireworks storage.

In fact, it was situated on agricultural land and did not appear to have any proper permits in place for handling or storing explosives.

An Explosion Creates a Catastrophe

The explosion was so powerful that it started a fast-moving brush fire that consumed nearly 80 acres and forced first responders into a high-risk containment operation. As of July 3, at least seven workers remained missing, including three brothers believed to have been inside the warehouse at the time of the explosion. Authorities confirmed two serious injuries and at least one death. According to family members of the missing, some had taken jobs at the warehouse just days before the explosion, unaware of the true nature of the business.

“This tragedy never should have happened,” said Mark Peacock, a California-based attorney known for representing victims of industrial and environmental disasters. “You have a facility storing fireworks without proper zoning, without oversight, and with workers who may not have even known the risks they were facing. That’s a perfect storm for disaster—and it’s exactly what we got.”

Just two days later, on July 3, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacoima was rocked by another explosion—this time the result of illegal fireworks being ignited in a residential area. The fireworks detonated with such force that four homes were set ablaze, one woman was critically injured, and one person was killed. More than 130 firefighters and multiple bomb squad and hazmat teams responded to the scene, where residents described “fireballs in the sky” and “sparks raining down like shrapnel.”

Attorney Paul Goyette, who has represented victims in fire-related litigation across California, says the pattern is alarming. “We’re not just seeing isolated accidents. We’re seeing a trend: unregulated fireworks storage, illegal use in residential areas, and a lack of meaningful enforcement,” he said. “It’s devastating—and it’s entirely foreseeable.”

A Lack of Oversight in California

Both attorneys point to a broader failure of oversight at the local and state level. In Esparto, zoning violations and the apparent absence of regulatory inspections allowed a fireworks operation to run unchecked. In Pacoima, the tragedy underscores the continuing prevalence of illegal fireworks in densely populated neighborhoods despite warnings, fines, and public education campaigns.

“We need a coordinated, statewide response,” said Peacock. “That means strict enforcement of zoning laws, real consequences for illegal storage and distribution, and greater public awareness of how dangerous these products really are.”

In the aftermath of both explosions, investigations are ongoing. Cal Fire, the ATF, and the California State Fire Marshal have all launched inquiries into the Esparto blast. In Los Angeles, local officials are reviewing footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the origin of the Pacoima firework stockpile and whether criminal charges will be filed.

But for attorneys like Peacock and Goyette, the path forward also includes civil accountability. “Families have lost loved ones. Homes have been destroyed. Workers were put in harm’s way—many likely without any safety training or disclosure,” said Goyette. “We intend to hold every responsible party accountable. That includes property owners, operators, and anyone who profited while cutting corners on safety.”

As the Fourth of July approaches, both attorneys warn that without swift action, more tragedies are inevitable. “Fireworks don’t just celebrate independence,” said Peacock. “When mishandled or stored illegally, they destroy it—along with lives, homes, and entire communities.”

Anyone impacted by these fires can contact Mark Peacock at (949) 660 – 7762 or attorney Paul Goyette at 916 851 1900.

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