A farm in Esparto filed a lawsuit against the owners and operators of the fireworks facility that exploded in early July, leaving 7 people dead.
The lawsuit claims that the fire damaged the wheat and Canario bean crops, as well as valuable infrastructure and farming equipment, all owned by the plaintiff. Additional allegations also claim that the defendants failed to comply with basic safety standards, conducting reckless operations and putting the facility at risk for a “catastrophic explosion and fire,” said the plaintiff’s attorney.
The defendants include Sam Machado, a lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department who owned the property the facility was on, Craig Cutright, Kenneth Chee, Blackstar Fireworks, Devastating Pyrotechnics LLC., Devastating Pyrotechnics INC, and more.
“Fireworks can bring joy and celebration, but they are still powerful explosives that must always be manufactured, handled, and stored with the utmost care, following all proper procedures, with all required approvals, and under appropriate regulatory oversight,” said Chris Rodriguez, partner at Singleton Schreiber LLP. “Those responsible for this explosion must be held accountable to help ensure this never happens again.”
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff is looking for recovery of economic damages related to the destruction of crops, farming infrastructure and equipment. The farm is also aiming for “punitive and exemplary damages to punish the defendants’ conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.”
