Esparto Fireworks Explosion Investigation Questioned Over Sheriff’s Office Ties

The investigation into the July 1 fireworks explosion in Esparto, California, that killed seven people is drawing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest involving the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office.

KCRA 3 Investigates uncovered that Lieutenant Sam Machado and his wife Tammy, both employees of the sheriff’s office, owned and lived at the property where the blast occurred. Tammy’s sister also serves as a deputy, and Sheriff Tom Lopez previously worked with Sam Machado at the Madison Fire Protection District.

Sheriff Lopez said he directed his leadership team to avoid any involvement in the investigation. However, records show the sheriff’s office participated in recovering victims, conducting autopsies, and helping with search warrants in the days following the explosion.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office maintains that the post-blast investigation has been conducted independently without the sheriff’s office’s input. It noted the coroner’s role was limited to recovery and identification and that state officials have retained control over the investigation.

On July 10, nine days after the explosion, Sheriff Lopez placed Sam and Tammy Machado on paid administrative leave and emailed his department encouraging financial support for the couple, who lost their home in the blast. He defended the move as standard practice for employees experiencing personal tragedy.

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta on July 18 expressing concerns about the public perception of a conflict of interest and requesting the Department of Justice join Cal Fire in leading the probe.

While the Attorney General’s office has not commented on its involvement, Cal Fire has confirmed it is collaborating with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office on the case.

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