San Luis Obispo County, CA
05/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/21/2026 22:05
District Attorney Charges Adult and Juvenile in Connection with July 4th Templeton Feed & Grain Fire
PUBLIC SAFETY WARNING: ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES
District Attorney Dan Dow urges all members of the public to understand that illegal fireworks are extraordinarily dangerous and carry severe criminal consequences. The possession, transportation, sale, or transfer of illegal fireworks within San Luis Obispo County will be taken seriously by every law enforcement agency in the County and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Furthermore, the manufacture or use of explosive devices - including improvised or homemade explosives - is exceedingly dangerous to the health and safety of those involved and to the broader community. Such conduct can result in catastrophic injury, death, and the destruction of property, and it constitutes a serious felony under California law. No firework or explosive of any kind that has not been approved by the California State Fire Marshal for consumer use should ever be in the possession of any individual in San Luis Obispo County.
District Attorney Dan Dow urges all members of the public to understand that illegal fireworks are extraordinarily dangerous and carry severe criminal consequences. The possession, transportation, sale, or transfer of illegal fireworks within San Luis Obispo County will be taken seriously by every law enforcement agency in the County and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Furthermore, the manufacture or use of explosive devices - including improvised or homemade explosives - is exceedingly dangerous to the health and safety of those involved and to the broader community. Such conduct can result in catastrophic injury, death, and the destruction of property, and it constitutes a serious felony under California law. No firework or explosive of any kind that has not been approved by the California State Fire Marshal for consumer use should ever be in the possession of any individual in San Luis Obispo County.
STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY DAN DOW
"The Templeton Feed & Grain is a historic institution and a beloved part of our community's identity, agricultural heritage, and local economy. Since 1946 this business has served the ranching, farming, and agricultural community of San Luis Obispo County for nearly eight decades - through three generations of the Jermin family. The Jermin family has been a cornerstone of our region's agricultural industry and has served this community with pride for generations. The loss of this working granary which became an iconic landmark is felt not only by the Jermin family, but by every resident, rancher, farmer, and neighbor who has walked through those doors over the past 79 years. We grieve with the entire community for this tragic loss."
"The illegal use of explosive devices and fireworks puts lives at risk, destroys irreplaceable property, and tears at the fabric of our communities. The Templeton Feed & Grain fire is a powerful and painful example of the real and lasting harm that results from this type of reckless and unlawful behavior. Every person who participates in obtaining, possessing, transporting, or using illegal explosives or fireworks will be held accountable."
- Dan Dow, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney
CUSTODY STATUS AND NEXT STEPS
Sheriff's Office deputies attempted to apprehend Michael Joseph Steele today based on a warrant for his arrest that was issued by a judge. However, during this process, the defendant apparently learned that there was a warrant for his arrest. Rather than turn himself in to Sheriff's personnel, he instead contacted a bail bond company who filed a $200,000 bail bond with the Superior Court avoiding arrest and booking. Steele's arraignment date is now scheduled for June 4, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 1 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, Judge Catherine J. Swysen presiding. The defendant will likely be ordered to be booked after appearing in court for the arraignment. The juvenile's case is also scheduled for June 4, 2026 at the Juvenile Services Center on Kansas Avenue, San Luis Obispo. The adult case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sarah Merson and the juvenile case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Steven von Dohlen.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION - CALL TO THE COMMUNITY
Every case prosecuted by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney's Office is treated as an ongoing investigation. If any member of the community has information related to the Templeton Feed and Grain fire or any other matter related to this case that could be helpful to law enforcement, they are strongly encouraged to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers.
Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805-781-5819 with any questions.
San Luis Obispo County, CA published this content on May 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 22, 2026 at 04:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]