Oakdale Fire Resources

A Message from Yolo County

Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those lost in the Oakdale Fire incident near Esparto. The tragic events of July 1 have deeply affected our entire community. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted.

Yolo County is fully cooperating with the ongoing multi-agency investigation and remains committed to ensuring the integrity of that process. We understand the public’s need for timely and accurate information, and we will continue to provide regular updates as new information becomes available to ensure transparency.

This page is designed to answer questions we’ve received and to outline the County’s role in the response, what actions have been taken, and what lies ahead.

On April 10, Yolo County Board of Supervisors provided a statement regarding the Oakdale Fire indictments. Read the statement here.

On March 26, The Yolo County Board of Supervisors has responded to the Oakdale Fire Civil Grand Jury report. Read the response here.

On August 28, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors has provided an update on the Oakdale Fire incident, reaffirming their commitment to public safety, transparency, and accountability while the investigation continues. Read the Statement.

On August 11, Yolo County's Public Health Officer declared a Local Health Emergency for properties impacted by the incident. Read the declaration.

On August 8, we thank the Attorney General for responding to our request. We remain committed to being transparent in this investigation, maintaining public trust, and seeking accountability. We will continue to monitor and stay in communication as the investigation progresses. Read the letter.

On July 18, the Board of Supervisors requested the Department of Justice take the investigation lead alongside CAL FIRE. Read the request letter.

FAQs

What happened on July 1 near Esparto

At approximately 6:00 p.m., a fire occurred at a site operating as a commercial fireworks facility. The blaze, and subsequent explosions, burned approximately 78 acres and resulted in seven confirmed fatalities. Multiple agencies continue to respond to and investigate the incident.
Who is managing the investigation and response?
This incident is being handled under a Unified Command structure led by:
- CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM)
- Esparto Fire Protection District
- Yolo County Sheriff’s Office
- Yolo County Office of Emergency Services (OES)
While each agency plays a distinct role, all are working in close coordination:

CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) - Functional lead on all investigation efforts relating to origin and cause of the fire and explosion.

Esparto Fire Protection District - Local lead on fire response; requested CAL FIRE support on origin and cause investigation efforts.

Yolo County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office - In Unified Command of the incident with Esparto Fire; county coroner duties, providing law enforcement support as requested by the lead investigative agency.

Yolo County Office of Emergency Services (OES) - Assisting CAL FIRE during the investigation, then leading additional response efforts (securing site, restoration, etc.) after investigation is completed.
How is Yolo County involved in the response?
Through the Office of Emergency Services (OES), Yolo County activated its emergency response systems immediately following the fire. Services deployed include:
- Emergency notifications and evacuation coordination
- Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) - Mental health support and crisis counseling
- Ongoing coordination with CAL FIRE, local fire districts, and state and federal partners
- Continued on-site assessment and hazard mitigation
Additionally, the Board of Supervisors adopted an emergency declaration to support rapid mobilization of resources and eligibility for state and federal assistance.

Yolo County Board of Supervisors Declares Local Emergency Following Oakdale Fire - July 8

On August 8, we thanked the Attorney General for responding to our request. We remain committed to being transparent in this investigation, maintaining public trust, and seeking accountability. We will continue to monitor and stay in communication as the investigation progresses. Read the letter here.

On July 18, the Board of Supervisors requested the Department of Justice take the investigation lead alongside CAL FIRE. Read that letter here.
Do the Yolo County Sheriff or District Attorney report to the County Board of Supervisors?

No. The County Board of Supervisors has budgetary authority for the County, including the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office. However, the Sheriff and District Attorney manage their organizations and staff as elected officials and do not report to the Board of Supervisors.
What is the current status of the fire site? Are there ongoing hazards?
Yes. Due to the presence of explosive materials, hazard mitigation efforts are still active. Access to the scene remains restricted for safety and investigative reasons. While CAL FIRE is no longer physically present on site, their investigation remains active and ongoing.

Yolo County Environmental Health will make sure that any hazardous materials released into the soil from the fire and explosion is cleaned up to State and Federal standards. During the cleanup process, dust control and air monitoring will be used to prevent air pollution. All power has been restored.

Utilities Update

PG&E has restored power in the evacuated areas. For those who were impacted by the extended outages and/or billing concerns should contact PG&E. However, the County is coordinating with PG&E representatives and can help connect residents with support if needed.

Roads Update

Evacuation has been lifted for zone MAD-063-A and all roads have been cleared. Roads that are cleared are listed below:
- County Road 23 between County Roads 85C and 89
- County Road 86A between State Route 16 and County Road 25
- County Road 86 between County Roads 21A and 23
- County Road 87B between County Roads 23 and 25
For a map of Yolo County Road closures, please visit www.YoloCounty.gov/road-closures.
Are there evacuation orders still in place?

As of now, no evacuation orders are active. For real-time updates, please visit (Yolo County OES website) or subscribe to the Genasys Emergency Alert System at https://protect.genasys.com/
Is it safe to continue agricultural operations near the site?

Until test results are available, residents and agricultural operators are advised to exercise caution and to avoid contact with ash, dust, and debris from the explosion. Agricultural products that came into contact with ash, dust, or debris from the explosion should not be consumed at this time. The County will issue guidance on safe land use once results are confirmed.
What happens if contamination is found?

If hazardous materials are detected in dangerous amounts, remediation measures (that is, cleanup) will be implemented. These could include removing and replacing contaminated soil, filtering water sources, or applying other cleanup methods as directed by environmental authorities.
What is the difference between the Local Health Emergency and the Local Emergency declared by the Board of Supervisors?

The Local Emergency declared by the Board of Supervisors addresses the overall incident; the Local Health Emergency declared by the Health Officer focuses specifically on potential health risks and allows Yolo County to access State and Federal public and environmental health expertise and other resources.
What is the purpose of the environmental review?

The review is being conducted to determine whether the explosion caused contamination in the surrounding environment, including soil, water, air, and agricultural products.
What types of environmental testing are being performed?

Testing includes soil sampling, water quality testing, air monitoring, and analysis of crops and vegetation for the presence of hazardous materials.
Were there fatalities?

Tragically, seven individuals lost their lives. The Yolo County Coroner’s Office is overseeing all recovery efforts and is contacting families directly as identifications are confirmed.

Update on Oakdale Fire: Seven Victims Recovered from Site - July 6
Coroner’s Office Confirms Identities of Victims in Oakdale Fire Incident - July 11
What information is there for farmers and residents near the fire site?

Structural Damage Awareness Following the Oakdale Fire

Yolo County encourages all residents to be aware of the potential structural damage to their homes or buildings. Mailers have been sent to residents within a 3-mile radius of the incident with important safety information and resources. Common signs of structural damage are listed in the attached document below.

Signs of Wood Shear Wall Damage

Environmental Concerns

Yolo County Environmental Health is working with various State agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to environmental concerns around the site which includes potential impacts to nearby farmland or water sources. As information becomes available it will be shared on this website.
Who should families contact for updates?

For family members seeking information, the Coroner’s Office is the official point of contact Lt. Don Harmon, Coroner’s Office: (530) 312-5640
What is the status of the investigation?

The investigation is ongoing and led by CAL FIRE – OSFM, with support from local and federal partners. The County is fully cooperating and will share updates as they become available.
CapRadio Interview - July 16
Was the fireworks facility legally allowed to operate at that site?
No. The property is zoned Agricultural Intensive (A-N), which does not allow for the storage or handling of fireworks or explosives.
- Yolo County did not issue any permits, licenses, or approvals for this use at the location.
- No zoning amendment or land use application was ever submitted or approved by the County to consider such uses.
How does permitting for a fireworks facility typically work?
Fireworks and explosives facilities must obtain multiple permits at various levels:
1. Local land use/zoning approval (County Board of Supervisors)
2. Business licenses and fire department review
3. State Fire Marshal permit (CAL FIRE – OSFM)
4. Federal license (if applicable – ATF)
Each entity operates independently with its own oversight and enforcement authority.
Educational Materials

ABC10 Interview with CAL FIRE regarding local, state, and federal permitting required (July 4)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3hn2dvuJkk

CapRadio - Insight with Vickie Gonzalez interview: CAL FIRE update on investigation (July 16)

https://www.capradio.org/news/insight/2025/07/16/state-fire-marshal-on-deadly-esparto-fireworks-explosion-new-proposed-sacramento-homelessness-agency-food-at-the-ca-state-fair/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLlRZhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYcmt1UDV6cVhEVjBCSUxhAR6upTGdCr956WiG4HYTOoBSHo4lFDJ_poYoXDjbzS0LhFeNrav14927IJkYEQ_aem_pXAPbUB0zRPumC_dgjq7bg

Structural Damage Awareness Following the Oakdale Fire

Yolo County encourages all residents to be aware of the potential structural damage to their homes or buildings. Mailers have been sent to residents within a 3-mile radius of the incident with important safety information and resources. Common signs of structural damage are listed in the attached document below.

Signs of Wood Shear Wall Damage
Contacts

Mental Health Services: (530) 661-2750

24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line: (888) 965-6647

Victim Services Program: (530) 666-8352

General Assistance: Dial 2-1-1

Yolo County Food Bank: 530-668-0609 ext. 123

PIO/Media Updates: Laura Galindo (530) 341-9865

Coroner/Recovery: Lt. Don Harmon (530) 312-5640

Fire Investigation: CAL FIRE Sacramento Location Public Information Office: (916) 651-3473