Massive explosion totally destroys fireworks warehouse in California leaving ‘everything shaking' as residents flee
The huge explosion tore through the facility on Tuesday evening, not far from the small communities of Esparto and Madison in Yolo County.
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Terrified homeowners said the ground trembled beneath them as towering inferno engulfed multiple structures.
Esparto local Bryan Sandoval told the Sacramento Bee: 'All we felt was everything shake.'
He and his family evacuated immediately as smoke and fireworks lit up the sky.
Footage from the scene shows white smoke billowing from the roof of the warehouse before it is engulfed by a fireball in a violent explosion.
Fireworks burst midair above the wreckage, crackling and exploding as if part of a chaotic, unplanned display.
A massive column of smoke soared up to 15,000 feet, visible for miles around.
Videos also captured the terrifying sight of rogue fireworks firing in every direction, igniting spot fires in dry grass and fields around the warehouse.
The flames quickly spread across an estimated 80 acres of surrounding land, threatening nearby highways and farmland.
Several commercial buildings on the property were completely consumed by fire, according to Esparto Fire Protection District Chief Curtis Lawrence.
Fire crews responded to the incident shortly before 6pm and "a few commercial buildings well-involved, as well as numerous explosions and numerous spot fires throughout the area," Lawrence said.
Moment firefighting drones tackle blaze as flames engulf 500ft skyscraper
By 7.30pm, crews had managed to halt the fire's advance, but hot spots continued to smoulder overnight.
The Yolo County Sheriff's Office issued a one-mile evacuation order shortly after the initial blast.
'At this time, the cause of the explosion remains unknown,' the office said, adding that drones are being used to assess the wreckage and that updates would follow as the investigation unfolds.
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