Against the odds, the City of Marysville united to ensure the cherished tradition would shine on as planned, simply a day later than expected.

Birds chirped and traffic appeared normal - apart from the bustle at the local fire department in the center of town - as responders continued to manage the remains of the fireworks facility that exploded barely a mile away, just a few days before. "No one understands unless you were here," said Toni Mendieta, library branch supervisor.

In the first moments after explosions at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto rocked the community, a man who lived nearby sprang into action towards falling flames and live fireworks, just hoping he could help.