Cal/OSHA has issued 15 citations totaling $221,000 to Devastating Pyrotechnics for safety violations linked to the July 1 fireworks explosion in Esparto. The incident resulted in seven deaths and two injuries, according to ABC10.
The Cal/OSHA inquiry found several areas where the company fell short, "including the employer's failure to establish, implement, and maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program; failure to train employees on what to do in an emergency, such as how to safely evacuate during a fire or explosion; and a failure to train workers on the fire hazards associated with the materials they were handling," as reported by KCRA. These violations were factors in the Esparto incident, which is now under investigation by state authorities.
Cal/OSHA's Denisse Gómez said, "Our hearts go out to the workers, families, and entire Esparto community. No one should ever have to fear for their safety when they go to work, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to a preventable tragedy," as per ABC10. The statement follows a fatal incident at Devastating Pyrotechnics, where the company did not immediately report the deaths, allowed untrained workers to ride forklifts, and had inadequate hazard warnings. Cal/OSHA has enforced safety regulations, and questions remain about permit approvals and zoning violations.
Cal Fire and the ATF are investigating the Esparto incident, including reviewing laws and licenses, some of which have been recently revoked. California may issue recommendations for regulatory changes in 2026 following the investigation.
