Oregon’s annual firework season kicked off on June 23, with the legal purchasing period extending until July 6, just in time for Independence Day festivities.
Despite the opportunity for legal purchases statewide, numerous cities and agencies in Oregon impose strict limitations on the sale and use of fireworks.
These measures are aimed at reducing the risks of accidental fires, injuries, and disturbances during the holiday.
In light of this, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has initiated a safety campaign under the banner, “Keep it legal. Keep it safe.”
The agency is emphasizing the importance of adhering to its “four Bs” of safe fireworks use:
– **Be prepared**: Always have a bucket of water or a hose on hand.
– **Be safe**: Ensure children and pets are kept at a safe distance, and avoid lighting fireworks near dry vegetation.
– **Be responsible**: Do not attempt to relight “duds.” After usage, soak any used fireworks in water before disposal.
– **Be aware**: Only use fireworks that are legal and permitted in designated areas.
In Oregon, legal fireworks are restricted to those that remain on the ground and do not travel more than 12 inches into the air without specific permits.
Fireworks categorized as exceeding these limits—including bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers—are deemed illegal.
Individuals caught violating these regulations may face a class B misdemeanor charge and fines reaching up to $2,500.
This year’s firework season has prompted a crucial reminder for residents to remain informed about the overarching ban on fireworks usage in various locations across the state.
The following areas are off-limits for firework usage throughout Oregon:
– Public lands and parks
– National parks and forests
– Bureau of Land Management lands
– U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties
– Oregon state beaches, parks, and campgrounds
Stefanie Knowlton, a spokesperson for Oregon Parks and Recreation, stressed that while the state welcomes visitors to enjoy its parks, they should refrain from bringing fireworks.
“Celebrating holidays, having picnics, camping, and enjoying our lakes and rivers is fantastic,” Knowlton stated, “but we just don’t allow fireworks in Oregon state parks or along the ocean shore.”
She detailed that the use of fireworks poses significant risks to visitors, wildlife, and nearby structures.
With three state parks already closed or evacuated this June due to nearby wildfires, Knowlton emphasized the importance of avoiding any sparks or explosive devices in these vulnerable areas.
Moreover, firework usage in protected habitats can disturb endangered species sensitive to the explosive noise.
Last year, post-Fourth of July clean-up efforts near Lincoln City revealed nearly 1,000 pounds of trash, with firework debris being one of the most commonly collected items.
Laurel Hillman, the ocean shore resource coordinator at Oregon State Parks, pointed out that such debris poses a direct threat to the ecological health of beaches and oceans.
In Multnomah County, the Portland City Council enforced a year-round ban on the sale and use of all fireworks in 2022, a decision driven by numerous severe injuries and wildfires.
Notably, the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, ignited by a 15-year-old with fireworks, burned nearly 50,000 acres across Oregon and Washington.
In 2021, a fire that resulted in two fatalities in Northeast Portland was reportedly caused by illegal fireworks.
The Portland Fire Bureau reiterated that fireworks are illegal within city limits, urging residents to seek out professional displays to ensure a safer celebration during the holiday season.
Similar bans are in effect in cities like Eugene, Milwaukie, The Dalles, and various other densely populated regions.
In Gresham and Troutdale, while there is no complete ban, restrictions conform to state laws, and fireworks are prohibited in all city parks.
Lincoln County has also seen fireworks usage restricted in coastal cities including Yachats, Waldport, Depoe Bay, and Lincoln City.
Typically allowing fireworks, the city of Newport imposed a ban this summer that will last until October 15 due to heightened wildfire risks.
As for neighboring Clark County in Washington, firework sales commenced on June 28, with residents permitted to use fireworks only in unincorporated areas on Independence Day from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Violating this timeframe could lead to a $500 fine.
Clark County authorities have established a hotline for firework-related complaints to avoid non-emergency calls to 911.
Similar to Oregon, the county has banned many explosive devices, including firecrackers and homemade fireworks.
In the city of Vancouver, fireworks are also illegal within city limits.
John Hendricks, spokesperson for the Oregon State Fire Marshal, encourages residents to consider skipping personal fireworks entirely in favor of attending professional shows.
“Drone shows have gained popularity in recent years, so maybe check one of those out as well,” Hendricks suggested.
With temperatures set to rise as the weekend approaches, he implored residents to exercise heightened caution when using fireworks, particularly in areas of increased fire danger, like the eastern parts of the state.
image source from：opb
