Yolo County declares local health emergency after deadly Esparto explosions
Yolo County’s public health officer on Monday declared a local health emergency for properties impacted by the deadly Esparto fireworks facility explosion.“Today’s local health emergency declaration for the Oakdale Fire allows Yolo County to request support from state and federal health agencies for testing and any necessary cleanup if hazardous materials from fireworks are found…
Yolo County’s public health officer on Monday declared a local health emergency for properties impacted by the deadly Esparto fireworks facility explosion.“Today’s local health emergency declaration for the Oakdale Fire allows Yolo County to request support from state and federal health agencies for testing and any necessary cleanup if hazardous materials from fireworks are found in the soil, water, or air at or near the explosion site,” Dr. Aimee Sisson said in a statement. The county said that the local health emergency does not mean the site is unsafe, but that it may pose health risks and testing is needed. “You kind of wonder what kind of residue has been left behind,” said Brian Paddock, the owner of Capay Hills Orchard.Paddock’s almond orchard is nearly a mile away from the site of the explosion. He, like many farmers, is wondering what these tests will find. Still, the county said that until the review is complete, residents within a half-mile radius of where the Oakdale Fire burned in the series of fireworks and ammunition explosions on July 1 “are encouraged to avoid contact with ash or debris, to not consume food or water that has come into contact with ash or debris.”| MORE | State Fire Marshal answers questions about Esparto fireworks explosion investigation, 1 month laterThe press release said that fireworks are known to contain hazardous, heavy metals and oxidizing agents. The environmental review aims to measure the possible amounts of those materials in soil, air and water. KCRA 3 is reaching out to the county for more information. On July 8, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency. Seven people were killed and two injured in the deadly explosions in Esparto. Investigators are still working to determine the cause and whether any criminal charges will be filed.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
Yolo County’s public health officer on Monday declared a local health emergency for properties impacted by the deadly Esparto fireworks facility explosion.
“Today’s local health emergency declaration for the Oakdale Fire allows Yolo County to request support from state and federal health agencies for testing and any necessary cleanup if hazardous materials from fireworks are found in the soil, water, or air at or near the explosion site,” Dr. Aimee Sisson said in a statement.
The county said that the local health emergency does not mean the site is unsafe, but that it may pose health risks and testing is needed.
“You kind of wonder what kind of residue has been left behind,” said Brian Paddock, the owner of Capay Hills Orchard.
Paddock’s almond orchard is nearly a mile away from the site of the explosion. He, like many farmers, is wondering what these tests will find.
Still, the county said that until the review is complete, residents within a half-mile radius of where the Oakdale Fire burned in the series of fireworks and ammunition explosions on July 1 “are encouraged to avoid contact with ash or debris, to not consume food or water that has come into contact with ash or debris.”
| MORE | State Fire Marshal answers questions about Esparto fireworks explosion investigation, 1 month later
The press release said that fireworks are known to contain hazardous, heavy metals and oxidizing agents. The environmental review aims to measure the possible amounts of those materials in soil, air and water.
KCRA 3 is reaching out to the county for more information.
On July 8, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency.
Seven people were killed and two injured in the deadly explosions in Esparto. Investigators are still working to determine the cause and whether any criminal charges will be filed.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
