Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies served a warrant Tuesday at 477 2nd Avenue in San Francisco, the registered business address of Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC, exactly one week after a deadly explosion at the company's Esparto warehouse killed seven workers.
Hoodline San Francisco observed officers from multiple agencies on scene during the afternoon, including personnel from the Yolo County Sheriff Crime Scene Investigation Unit, SFPD, and the Sacramento Sheriff's Bomb Squad. Two officers wearing Sacramento Sheriff's Bomb Squad shirts were observed in an unmarked car, and there may have been additional agencies involved. When asked for details, an SFPD officer told Hoodline San Francisco, "It's just a warrant. Nothing dangerous to the neighborhood," but declined to provide additional information.
The warrant comes as federal and state investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the July 1 explosion in Esparto, as reported by ABC10, that destroyed a fireworks storage facility and left seven people dead. According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Devastating Pyrotechnics owner Kenneth Chee was denied federal licensing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, raising questions about the company's legal authorization to operate.
Representative for Devastating Pyrotechnics from the law offices of attorney Douglas Horngrad told Hoodline SF, "While an investigation in pending, we will have no comment."
Company Background and Licensing Issues
Business records show Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC was established in 2013 with Kenneth Chee as the registered agent at the 2nd Avenue address. The company, which KTVU reported described itself as the "only local pyrotechnic company in Northern California" and one of the "largest fireworks importers in the Western United States," provided fireworks displays for cities including San Jose, St. Helena, and Chico.
However, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Chee was denied a federal explosives license due to a 1998 felony conviction for assault with a firearm. Under federal law, individuals with such convictions are barred from holding explosives permits. Despite this, Chee obtained state licenses through California's Office of the State Fire Marshal, highlighting what experts called a significant regulatory gap.
Deadly Warehouse Explosion Investigation
The Esparto facility explosion occurred Tuesday evening, July 1, at a warehouse on agricultural property owned by Yolo County Sheriff's Lieutenant Sam Machado. CBS Sacramento reported that the facility was not permitted to store fireworks in Esparto, according to county officials.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that all seven victims have now been located, including Jesus Ramos, 18, Jhony Ramos, 22, Junior Melendez, 28, and Carlos Rodriguez, 41. The explosion also injured two people and forced cancellations of at least a dozen July Fourth displays the company had been contracted to provide across Northern California.
Similar Regional Enforcement Actions
The San Francisco warrant comes amid heightened scrutiny of explosives violations across the Bay Area. San Francisco police recently seized hundreds of illegal fireworks from a stolen U-Haul, while NBC Bay Area reported San Jose police conducted raids that yielded more than 3,300 pounds of illegal fireworks and improvised explosive devices.
Hoodline San Francisco previously reported on South San Francisco police discovering over 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks in February, estimated at $300,000 in street value. These enforcement actions reflect broader concerns about illegal explosives trafficking in the region, as reported by ABC7.
Legal Implications
Federal explosives violations carry severe penalties under ATF regulations. ATF guidelines state that operating without proper federal licensing can result in fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to five years. The agency requires comprehensive background checks and prohibits anyone with certain criminal convictions from obtaining explosives licenses.
Federal regulations also mandate specific storage requirements, distance restrictions from inhabited structures, and detailed record-keeping for all explosives materials. Violations of these requirements can trigger multi-agency investigations involving ATF, state fire marshals, and local law enforcement.
Devastating Pyrotechnics' website currently displays only a statement directing inquiries to attorney Douglas Horngrad at (415) 397-9509.
Hoodline San Francisco has reached out to SFPD who directed journalists to the Yolo County Sheriff. Hoodline will update the story with any comments from the Yolo County Sheriff's Department.
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