California fireworks warehouse explodes live on air (VIDEO)

A fire and explosion at a fireworks warehouse in California were captured live on television on Tuesday, and dramatic footage of the blaze has been spreading on social media.

The blast occurred during a live evening broadcast by Sacramento NBC affiliate KCRA. A helicopter video showed white smoke billowing from the building’s roof as reporters narrated the unfolding scene. Moments later, the pyrotechnics stored inside ignited, erupting into a massive fireball and sending fireworks shooting into the air.

KCRA’s news crew, reporting from the ground in the community of Esparto, said they had to take cover when the explosion hit. Flying debris sparked multiple spot fires across roughly 80 acres (32 hectares) before firefighters contained the spread, according to local fire officials. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in the surrounding areas.

Local station CBS Sacramento interviewed individuals who said they had family members who may have been inside the facility during the incident. Law enforcement officials have not yet confirmed whether there were any injuries or fatalities.

Several local residents told CBS Sacramento that their windows rattled from at least two distinct explosions, with some saying the blasts shook their homes like an earthquake.

The cause of the fire and explosion has not yet been confirmed, and an investigation is underway. The facility is said to be fully licensed to store and distribute fireworks.

The incident comes just days before the Fourth of July holiday, when fireworks use increases across the US. State and local officials have urged the public to exercise extra caution this year, citing an elevated fire risk and the potential for accidental detonations.

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