Charges Filed Against Five In Fatal California Fireworks Warehouse Explosion

Fri Apr 10 2026 21:28:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Authorities have charged five individuals, including a former sheriff's lieutenant, with murder following a devastating explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California that claimed the lives of seven people.

Following a grand jury indictment, five people have been charged with murder in connection with a tragic explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Yolo County, California. The explosion, linked to illegal fireworks, resulted in the death of seven individuals and led to widespread disruption during Fourth of July celebrations in nearby communities. Among those charged is Samuel Machado, the warehouse owner, along with Kenneth Chee, the owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, and two of his employees. The incident has sparked broader discussions about safety regulations concerning fireworks.

WOODLAND, Calif. — Charges of murder have been officially filed against five individuals connected to a deadly explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Northern California, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people.

The allegations follow a grand jury indictment revealing that a former lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, Samuel Machado, is one of those charged. The explosion occurred near the small farming community of Esparto, leading to a massive fire that disrupted nearby communities and forced the cancellation of Fourth of July celebrations.

Among the individuals charged is Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, who was reportedly storing illegal fireworks at the facility. Chee was arrested in Florida and is set to be extradited to California. Also facing charges are operations manager Jack Lee and Gary Chan Jr., associated with Devastating Pyrotechnics.

Nabity emphasized that the fireworks involved were significantly more dangerous than standard legal fireworks. In total, eight people are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy and unlawful possession of weapons.

Machado, Chee, Lee, and Chan were arrested on Thursday, with Craig Cutright, owner of Blackstar Fireworks and a volunteer firefighter, also among the accused. This case has raised critical safety concerns surrounding the handling and regulation of fireworks.

Witnesses described the explosion as a powerful blast that shattered windows and rattled homes. Local residents like Nisa Gutierrez recounted their shock, stating the explosion felt like a 'bomb.' As a response to the incident, neighboring counties announced they would seek alternative forms of celebration for the Fourth of July.