Full Breakdown
Arrests Made Following Deadly Fireworks Explosion in Esparto
4/11/2026, 1:26:25 AM
Overview of the Incident
On July 1, 2025, a catastrophic explosion occurred at a property in Esparto, California, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals. The incident began as a localized fire but escalated into a series of violent detonations due to a stockpile of illegal fireworks stored on-site. The explosion, which was felt miles away, led to the Oakdale Fire, devastating several buildings and scorching 80 acres of land. Emergency crews took nearly five days to control the blaze, and the remains of the victims were identified using DNA testing and dental records.
Arrests and Charges
In connection with the explosion, Kenneth Kin Chee, 48, the owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, was arrested at Walt Disney World in Florida on multiple counts of murder, including seven counts of murder and one count of conspiracy. Chee was one of nine individuals arrested following a months-long investigation into the incident. Among those charged are Samuel Machado, 45, a lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, and Jack Y. Lee, 65, the operations manager for Chee’s company. Machado faces 26 counts, including murder and possession of illegal explosives, and is currently held without bail.
Other individuals arrested include Gary Young Chan Jr., 43, associated with the federal license for Devastating Pyrotechnics, and Craig Cutright, 61, the owner of Blackstar Fireworks and a volunteer firefighter. Cutright is being held on charges related to the illegal possession and distribution of explosives.
Background and Context
The Yolo County Civil Grand Jury issued a report alleging that county officials had ignored the illegal fireworks operation for at least three years, contributing to the disaster. While Devastating Pyrotechnics held certain state and federal permits, it lacked the necessary local land-use permits and business licenses to operate in Yolo County. The operation had expanded from a small family business into a significant supplier of fireworks displays throughout California.
Official Statements & Responses
The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office is expected to announce formal indictments following the arrests. The California State Fire Marshal has revoked the licenses of both Devastating Pyrotechnics and Blackstar Fireworks due to numerous violations of state law. Additionally, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health imposed over $200,000 in fines for regulatory failures linked to the explosion.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed to the lack of oversight and code enforcement by local officials as a direct cause of the tragedy. The grand jury's findings suggest systemic failures that allowed the illegal operation to continue unchecked, raising questions about accountability and regulatory practices in Yolo County.
Verbatim Quotes
“The arrests follow a monthslong probe into the explosion at a Yolo County property where authorities say illegal fireworks were being stored.” — KCRA 3
“The site had reportedly grown from a small family operation into a substantial business that supplied fireworks displays throughout California.” — Independent
This incident highlights significant regulatory failures and raises concerns about public safety in the handling of hazardous materials.
