SALEM — Every Oregonian deserves to have a safe and enjoyable summer and Fourth of July holiday, especially where fireworks are concerned.
“We want to remind all Oregonians that consumer legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands,” says State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “And, regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. Fire risk in Oregon is already high, and as the weeks go by that risk will only increase, so there is no room for error in fireworks safety.”
The July 4th holiday is one of the most popular times for Oregonians to enjoy and visit public lands, and all visitors to public lands are advised to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited on all national forestland, Oregon state parks, and beaches. Oregonians can still enjoy fireworks at officially sponsored community events.
The 2019 Oregon fireworks retail sales season opened on June 23 and will run through July 6. The Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has been collaborating with other state agencies and fire services partners to help promote the legal and safe use of fireworks in the weeks before Independence Day.
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. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon, without a permit.
Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
“All Oregonians share the responsibility to use only consumer legal fireworks and use them carefully,” adds Walker. “We encourage you to be aware and considerate of neighbors and their pets, before deciding on when and where you choose to light legal fireworks.”
To learn more, see the OSFM’s FAQs for commonly answered questions about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, permits for the retail sale of fireworks, and state rules for their use and enforcement activities.
