WOODLAND, Calif. (AP) — Five people have been charged with murder in a deadly Northern California explosion at a fireworks warehouse that killed seven people, authorities said.

Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Clara Nabity announced on Friday that the charges are based on a grand jury indictment, identifying those responsible for the explosion including a former Yolo County Sheriff lieutenant.

The devastating explosion near the small farming community of Esparto ignited a massive fire, leading to the cancellation of local Fourth of July celebrations.

Among those charged is Samuel Machado, the owner of the warehouse located about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento. At the time of the explosion, he was serving as a lieutenant with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office.

Kenneth Chee, the owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics—a company storing illegal fireworks at the site—was also charged with murder and was recently arrested in Florida. He is expected to be extradited to California soon.

Additionally, Jack Lee, operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnics, and Gary Chan Jr., listed on the company’s federal license, have been arrested and charged. A fifth individual, Douglas Tollefson, remains at large.

Deputy DA Nabity stated, “This is not a case just about fireworks. They are devices that have so much more explosive power than the law allows, they can’t be reasonably called fireworks.”

In total, eight individuals face 30 charges including murder, conspiracy, and possession of illegal assault weapons. The defendants—including Machado, Chee, Lee, and Chan—were arrested alongside Craig Cutright, who operated Blackstar Fireworks at the site and was also a volunteer firefighter.

One of Cutright’s employees, Ronald Botelho III, has been in custody since December with new charges filed recently. Samuel Machado’s wife, Tammy, was also charged but released on bail; she had worked administratively for the sheriff's office.

Residents near the explosion reported that the blast was so powerful it blew open the doors of nearby homes.

Nisa Gutierrez recounted to KOVR-TV, “We heard like a big boom and felt the wave. I thought it was a bomb.”

Following the explosion, officials in nearby counties announced plans for alternative Independence Day celebrations due to the destruction of their fireworks.