Fireworks 2025: A Dangerous Year
Many of us are disappointed that this year’s fireworks display at Lodi Lake was cancelled — we also share in the grief of families who lost loved ones in the explosion in Esparto, CA on July 1. Based on last year’s numbers and initial reports for this year, illegal (not Safe and Sane) fireworks have resulted in injury or death to a record number of our fellow citizens. We all want a fun Fourth to celebrate our Independence Day, with some great memories — but no scars or tragedies. Click here for a report on legal (Safe and Sane) fireworks in Lodi and here for suggestions on keeping pets calm and safe.
Major Warehouse Explosion Claims Lives
The fireworks industry faced its most tragic incident in 2025 when a devastating explosion at a fireworks storage facility in Esparto, California, left seven people missing and sparked massive evacuations[1]. The explosion at Devastating Pyrotechnics occurred on July 1, 2025, at approximately 6:02 p.m., creating a fireball that could be seen for miles and triggering an 80-acre wildfire[3].
Among the missing were three brothers - Jesus Ramos (18), Johnny Ramos (22), and Joel Melendez (28) - who had recently started working at the facility to prepare for the July 4th holiday season[5]. The blast was so powerful that shipping containers were launched hundreds of feet from the site, and the explosion's shockwave was felt up to 10 miles away[6].
The incident forced multiple Northern California cities to cancel their Fourth of July fireworks displays, including San Jose, Lodi, Cloverdale, and Yuba-Sutter, as their fireworks were stored at the destroyed facility[8]. Cal Fire officials noted that such incidents are "very rare" at licensed pyrotechnics facilities, which are required to follow stringent safety protocols. [2]
Nationwide Surge in Fireworks Injuries
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported alarming statistics for 2024, with fireworks-related injuries jumping 52% from the previous year to an estimated 14,700 people treated in emergency departments[11]. Deaths increased by 38% to 11 fatalities, primarily due to device malfunctions and misuse[13].
The injury pattern revealed concerning trends:
Hands and fingers accounted for 36% of all injuries
Head, face, and ears represented 22% of injuries
Burns comprised 37% of all emergency room visits
Adults aged 25-44 suffered the highest injury rates at 32%
Sparklers alone caused approximately 1,700 injuries[12]
Emergency room physicians report that July 4th is the busiest day for medical emergencies, with over 45,000 people visiting ERs on July 4th and 5th combined[16].
Massive Enforcement Operations
California launched its most aggressive fireworks enforcement campaign in 2025, seizing over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks - more than double the amount confiscated in all of 2024[18]. Governor Gavin Newsom's administration implemented a zero-tolerance policy, with violators facing fines up to $50,000 and jail time[19].
Major Arrests and Seizures
San Jose Police Department conducted multiple operations:
June 27: Seized over 1,320 pounds of explosives and arrested Javier Martinez[21]
June 23: Confiscated over 2,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and arrested David Benito-Carbajal and Juan Rocha[22]
San Francisco area saw significant busts:
July 2: Sheriff's deputies seized 1,648 pounds of explosives from a stolen U-Haul truck[23]
Previous week: Police discovered 1,500+ illegal fireworks at an Alameda storage facility[23]
Lathrop Police made a major bust, seizing nearly 1,815 pounds of illegal fireworks plus 72 homemade explosives during a traffic stop[24].
Enhanced Penalties and Enforcement
Cities across California dramatically increased penalties for 2025:
Sacramento approved fines up to $10,000 for illegal fireworks violations, with year-round enforcement and social host liability provisions[25].
San Jose implemented drone surveillance technology to detect illegal fireworks activity, with fines reaching:
$1,000 for first violations
$2,000 for second violations
$3,000 for third violations
Up to $100,000 for dangerous illegal fireworks[9]
San Joaquin County adopted stricter ordinances including social host liability and enhanced seizure powers for law enforcement[26].
Ongoing Safety Concerns
The surge in fireworks-related incidents has prompted urgent safety warnings from medical experts. Dr. Randy Katz from Memorial Healthcare System emphasized that alcohol impairment significantly increases reaction times and injury risk during fireworks handling[27].
Emergency departments prepared for the busiest period, with trauma programs expecting increased activity throughout the holiday weekend[15]. Heat-related complications added to the danger, as temperatures reached dangerous levels across California during the peak fireworks season[4].
The combination of the tragic Esparto explosion, record-breaking injury statistics, and massive enforcement operations has made 2025 a watershed year for fireworks safety awareness, fundamentally changing how communities approach Independence Day celebrations[1][18].
Sources
[1] Update on the fireworks warehouse explosion in Esparto - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhhfWGT9r_4
[2] 7 missing after massive explosion and fire at California warehouse filled with fireworks: Officials https://abcnews.go.com/US/7-missing-after-massive-explosion-fire-california-warehouse/story?id=123424160
[3] Yolo fireworks explosion: 7 missing after blast at California warehouse sets off massive blaze https://abc7news.com/post/yolo-fireworks-explosion-7-missing-blast-california-warehouse-sets-off-massive-blaze/16922194/
[4] Seven people missing after explosions rip through California fireworks warehouse, igniting wildfire https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-02/california-fireworks-warehouse-explosion-starts-wildfire
[5] 3 brothers among missing after Yolo County fireworks warehouse explosion, family says https://www.ktvu.com/news/brothers-among-missing-yolo-county-fireworks-warehouse-explosion
[6] Fireworks facility explodes near Sacramento, CA (07/01/2025) - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/CatastrophicFailure/comments/1lpkotw/fireworks_facility_explodes_near_sacramento_ca/
[7] PHOTOS: A closer look at the Devastating Pyrotechnics fireworks storage facility in Esparto https://www.ktvu.com/news/photos-closer-look-devastating-pyrotechnics-fireworks-storage-facility-esparto
[8] California fireworks warehouse explosion forces several cities to put July 4 shows on hold https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/esparto-fireworks-warehouse-explosion-cancels-july-4/
[9] Fireworks Are Illegal | City of San José https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/fire-department/public-education/seasonal-holiday-safety/fireworks-rules-laws
[10] 7 missing after explosion at California fireworks warehouse sets off massive blaze https://apnews.com/article/fireworks-warehouse-explosion-california-1047354701b97a34ef084542f32d0d8e
[11] Fireworks | CPSC.gov https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
[12] CPSC Urges Fireworks Safety Ahead of July 4th Holiday https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2025/CPSC-Urges-Fireworks-Safety-Ahead-of-July-4th-Holiday
[13] Fireworks injuries were way up last year. How to protect yourself this year. https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2025/07/02/july-4th-fireworks-injuries-increase/84418469007/
[14] Firework safety tips, injury statistics to keep in mind this Fourth of July https://www.centralnebraskatoday.com/2025/06/28/firework-safety-tips-injury-statistics-to-keep-in-mind-this-fourth-of-july/
[15] Burns and fireworks injuries: What to do when seconds count this July 4th https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-fireworks-injuries-seconds-july-4th.html
[16] 'I'm an ER doctor — these are the injuries I see most on 4th of July' https://www.foxnews.com/health/im-er-doctor-injuries-see-most-4th-july
[17] Top Four Causes of Emergency Room Visits on the Fourth of July https://www.lvhn.org/news/top-four-causes-emergency-room-visits-fourth-july
[18] California more than doubles illegal fireworks seizures so far this year, issues July 4 warning https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/california-more-than-doubles-illegal-fireworks-seizures-2025/
[19] Governor Newsom urges safety this Fourth of July after 600,000 pounds of illegal explosives seized https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/06/30/governor-newsom-urges-safety-this-fourth-of-july-after-600000-pounds-of-illegal-explosives-seized/
[20] Illegal fireworks enforcement is being ramped up across Sacramento https://www.capradio.org/articles/2025/07/02/illegal-fireworks-enforcement-is-being-ramped-up-across-sacramento/
[21] News & Announcements | San Jose Police Department, CA https://www.sjpd.org/Home/Components/News/News/2345/262
[22] News & Announcements | San Jose Police Department, CA https://www.sjpd.org/Home/Components/News/News/2343/262
[23] A Bay Area man’s trip to Nevada explains why local skies are about to burst with illegal fireworks https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/illegal-fireworks-20401313.php
[24] Lathrop traffic stop leads to nearly a ton of illegal fireworks being seized https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lathrop-ton-of-illegal-fireworks-bust/
[25] City Council approves up to $10,000 fines and year-round ... https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2025/06/18/city-council-approves-up-to-10000-fines-and-year-round-enforcement-on-illegal-fireworks/
[26] San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Adopts Stricter Fireworks Ordinance https://www.sjgov.org/department/bos/board-news/board-news-detail/2025/06/23/san-joaquin-county-board-of-supervisors-adopts-stricter-fireworks-ordinance
[27] Burns and fireworks injuries: What to do when seconds count this July 4th https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-fireworks-injuries-seconds-july-4th.pdf
[28] When to visit the ER or urgent care this Fourth of July - Ascension https://healthcare.ascension.org/blog/2025/06/usasc-acc-amb-gen-fourth-of-july
[29] List of fireworks accidents and incidents - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fireworks_accidents_and_incidents
[30] Prevent 4th of July Firework Injuries by Taking These Simple Steps https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-07-03/prevent-4th-of-july-firework-injuries-by-taking-these-simple-steps
[31] 7 still missing after fireworks warehouse explosion in ... - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWHJJOs_IEc
[32] Yolo County fireworks explosion: 1 dead, several people missing after California warehouse erupts https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/7-missing-northern-california-fireworks-explosion-20416951.php
[33] LiveCopter 3 shows devastation of Esparto fireworks facility fire ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzt_R5jFlp4
[34] Several homes evacuated after illegal fireworks flagged by USPS in San Gabriel, police say https://abc7.com/post/several-homes-evacuated-reported-illegal-fireworks-bust-san-gabriel/16925051/
[35] 300 tons of illegal fireworks seized so far in 2025 in California https://www.aol.com/300-tons-illegal-fireworks-seized-205143108.html
[36] Illegal fireworks bust in San Gabriel - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1qwCekM25g
[37] Police Make Arrest, Confiscate 500 Pounds of Illegal Fireworks Per ... https://www.instagram.com/p/DLlqXfVxp9M/
[38] Highlights & News, CPSC Press Conference https://www.americanpyro.com/highlights---news--cpsc-press-conference
[39] Prevent Blindness Declares June 28-July 4, 2025, as Fifth Annual ... https://preventblindness.org/2025-fireworks-safety-week/
[40] A Guide to Celebrating National Firework Safety Month in the US https://safetyculture.com/topics/firework-safety/national-firework-safety-month-us/
[41] One rushed to trauma center, two injured in fireworks explosion https://wach.com/news/local/one-rushed-to-trauma-center-two-injured-in-firework-incident-newberry-july-2025-summer-epting-street-fourth-of-july
[42] Explosion at California fireworks warehouse sets off massive blaze, with 7 missing, officials say https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/explosion-at-california-fireworks-warehouse-sets-off-massive-blaze-with-7-missing-officials-say
[43] Seven people missing after explosion at fireworks facility - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUHlVTckUcQ
[44] Fireworks and sparklers are lots of fun, but they can cause terrible injuries; how to celebrate safely https://news.vumc.org/2025/07/01/fireworks-and-sparklers-are-lots-of-fun-but-they-can-cause-terrible-injuries-how-to-celebrate-safely/