Overview

• Public records reveal 2022 emails from Chief Building Official Scott Doolittle citing a tip about a pyrotechnics business on the property, possible involvement of sheriff’s deputies, and 25 shipping containers, adding he would “tread lightly.”
• The agricultural-zoned site had no local authorization for fireworks, a permit request for high electrical capacity prompted a “red flag,” and officials noted the absence of basic fire protection and work-safety features.
• County leaders say staff visited in mid-2022, confirmed display-grade fireworks stored in ATF-licensed containers, reported to Code Enforcement, then took no further action or returned to inspect.
• State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said the criminal investigation is in its final stages, with dozens of search warrants served, and the district attorney confirmed a warrant for Esparto Fire Chief Curtis Lawrence, his home and the fire department.
• The State Fire Marshal has revoked licenses for Devastating Pyrotechnics and Blackstar Fireworks and their owners, and the county has opened an internal review of enforcement procedures.