Corner spots and vacant lots have been festooned with fireworks displays for the past several weeks, prompting the Office of State Fire Marshal to advise the citizenry to enjoy the Fourth of July, but not at the cost of a finger or a home set ablaze.
"Keep it Legal, Keep it Safe" is the message the state agency promoted last week as the fireworks season began.
"The OSFM would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal, where they can be used and how to use them safely," a release from the agency said.
The state isn't the only agency advising caution and minimizing the risk of wildfire from errant fireworks.
"Some local governments in Oregon have put in regulations, perhaps including bans, on the sale of fireworks," the release said. "It is important to check your local regulations and follow them where you live or may be traveling to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday."
Newberg residents may recall steps taken by local officials in 2021, when the City Council followed the lead of more than a dozen Oregon cities in enacting an immediate ban on fireworks in response to the heightened danger of wildfires across the state. For the most part, Newberg residents followed the ban and responses by police and fire personnel were limited during the Independence Day holiday.
There is no such ban in Newberg this year, but that didn't stop the OSFM from admonishing the citizenry to be vigilant.
"We ask that those using fireworks be responsible when using them," OSFM Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. "Every year, we see fires started because of improper use or use of illegal fireworks. Our message is to keep it legal and keep it safe as people celebrate the holiday." A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below
Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased in Oregon from permitted stands and retailers and state regulations also limit where fireworks may be used.
"People who plan to visit public lands and parks are asked to leave all fireworks at home," the release said. "The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks or forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, state beaches, state parks and in-state campgrounds."
The OSFM suggested some safe practices for fireworks use:
n Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
n Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
n Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal. A D V E R T I S I N G | Continue reading below
n Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
Those who ignore local regulations or state laws could pay a steep price for their transgressions. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the OSFM, the release said. Bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit.
Under state statutes, law enforcement can seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a Class B misdemeanor and a fine of $2,500.
"Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children," the release said.
You count on us to stay informed and we depend on you to fund our efforts. Quality local journalism takes time and money. Please support us to protect the future of community journalism.
Portland Tribune Beaverton Valley Times Tigard Tualatin Times Lake Oswego Review West Linn Tidings Wilsonville Spokesman Hillsboro Tribune Forest Grove News Times Newberg Graphic Clackamas Review Oregon City News The Outlook Sandy Post Estacada News Canby Herald Woodburn Independent Molalla Pioneer Columbia County Spotlight Regal Courier Sherwood Gazette The Bee Southwest Community Connection
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Columns Public Notices Oregon Property Foreclosures Business Calendar Business Leads News Links Plan Center Marketing
Weekly Ads This Week's Circulars Find your Next Vehicle Special Sections Insiders
News Tips Letters to the Editor Births | Anniversaries | Weddings | Engagements | Business | Birthday | Obituaries Community Calendar
Weekly Ads This Week's Circulars Find your Next Vehicle Special Sections Insiders
News Tips Letters to the Editor Births | Anniversaries | Weddings | Engagements | Business | Birthday | Obituaries Community Calendar
Advertise with Us Current Job Openings
© 2022 Pamplin Media Group | All rights reserved | 6605 SE Lake Rd, Portland, OR 97222 | 503-684-0360 | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy