After a July 1 explosion at a fireworks facility in Esparto that killed seven people, California’s state fire marshal revoked the pyrotechnics licenses of Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics Inc., and Craig Cutright, owner of Blackstar Fireworks. The action followed violations of state fireworks regulations, according to KCRA.
Investigators found several violations, including failing to file importation documents, not reporting lost fireworks, and possessing fireworks without local permits, ABC10. After the explosion, officials are reviewing connections to law enforcement, as the property belongs to Yolo County Sheriff’s Lt. Sam Machado. He and his wife, a county employee, have been placed on leave during the criminal investigation.
“Since the explosion, our arson and bomb investigators and deputy state fire marshals have been laser focused on not only determining the circumstances leading up to the incident, but also whether or not the operators were working with their state issued licenses," said Chief Daniel Berlant, as mentioned by CBS News Sacramento. The Yolo County demolition killed seven people from "multiple blasts and thermal injuries," which the coroner’s office ruled accidental, as per KCRA. The county declared a local health emergency, and Cal Fire completed an administrative license investigation while the criminal investigation continues. A task force has been proposed to address firework regulations, and families of the victims are seeking answers through attorney Samantha Ortiz.
