7 Arrested in Deadly Northern California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion

Suspects face murder charges after blast killed 7 and injured 2 near Esparto

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:09pm

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An extreme close-up of a charred, twisted piece of metal from the fireworks warehouse explosion, captured in stark, gritty detail under harsh lighting to convey the sudden, investigative nature of the tragedy.The devastating aftermath of a deadly fireworks warehouse explosion exposes the urgent need for stricter safety regulations in the industry.Woodland Today

Authorities have arrested seven people in connection with a deadly fireworks warehouse explosion in Northern California last July that killed seven people and injured two others. Several suspects, including the warehouse owners and operators of the illegal fireworks stored there, face murder charges following the massive blast and fire near the small farming community of Esparto in Yolo County.

Why it matters

The deadly explosion and subsequent cancellation of nearby Fourth of July celebrations highlighted the dangers of improperly stored and handled fireworks, as well as the need for stronger oversight and regulations around the fireworks industry, especially in rural areas.

The details

The Yolo County District Attorney's Office announced the indictments on Friday. Those arrested include Samuel Machado and Tammy Machado, who owned the warehouse and were both employed by the Yolo County Sheriff's Office at the time. Kenneth Chee, the owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics which stored illegal fireworks at the warehouse, was arrested in Florida and will be extradited to California. Other suspects include Chee's operations manager Jack Lee, the owner of Blackstar Fireworks Craig Cutright, and Cutright's employee Ronald Botelho III, who has been in custody since December.

  • The deadly fireworks explosion occurred on July 1, 2025.
  • Nearby Fourth of July celebrations were called off following the blast.
  • The seven suspects were arrested on April 10, 2026.

The players

Samuel Machado

Co-owner of the fireworks warehouse and a lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff's Office.

Tammy Machado

Co-owner of the fireworks warehouse and a non-sworn administrative employee of the Yolo County Sheriff's Office.

Kenneth Chee

Owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, whose illegal fireworks were being stored at the warehouse.

Jack Lee

Operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnics.

Craig Cutright

Owner of Blackstar Fireworks, which operated at the Esparto property owned by the Machados, and a volunteer firefighter for the Esparto Fire District.

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What they’re saying

“We hear like a big boom, and feel the wave. I thought it was a bomb.”

— Nisa Gutierrez

What’s next

The suspects will be extradited to California and face trial in the coming months.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical need for tighter regulations and oversight of the fireworks industry, especially in rural areas, to prevent such devastating explosions and loss of life in the future.