Authorities file charges in Templeton grain building fire
One adult and one juvenile face charges connected to the fire
– One adult and one juvenile have been charged in connection with the July 4, 2025, fire that destroyed the Templeton Feed & Grain store in Templeton, according to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office and Templeton Fire and Emergency Services.
District Attorney Dan Dow announced Thursday that prosecutors filed criminal charges against Michael Joseph Steele, 38, of Morro Bay, and a 16-year-old San Luis Obispo County resident in connection with the fire at 405 S. Main St.
Investigators said the fire, which broke out at about 11:30 p.m. on July 4, 2025, was caused by the illegal use of dangerous fireworks. The investigation was led by the Templeton Fire Department in partnership with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
According to prosecutors, Steele assisted the juvenile in finding, purchasing, and transporting illegal fireworks and explosive devices before the fire.
Steele faces six charges, including felony child endangerment, possession of ingredients to make a destructive device or explosive, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Prosecutors allege Steele and others traveled from San Luis Obispo County to Bakersfield to purchase illegal fireworks, returned to the county with them, and posted about the purchase on social media.
The juvenile has been charged with arson of a structure, possession of ingredients to make a destructive device or explosive, possession of dangerous fireworks, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Prosecutors said the juvenile’s case will remain in juvenile court because of his age at the time of the offenses.
“The illegal use of explosive devices and fireworks puts lives at risk, destroys irreplaceable property, and tears at the fabric of our communities,” Dow said in a statement. “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.”
Authorities said sheriff’s deputies attempted to arrest Steele after a judge issued a warrant, but he posted a $200,000 bail bond before being taken into custody. His arraignment is scheduled for June 4 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 1 of San Luis Obispo County Superior Court.
The juvenile’s hearing is also scheduled for June 4 at the Juvenile Services Center on Kansas Avenue in San Luis Obispo.
Investigators said the case remains active, and anyone with information related to the fire is encouraged to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers.
