Legal fireworks sales start across C.O. as weather warms up

Legal fireworks went on sale Friday in Bend and across Oregon, prompting familiar safety warnings and reminders from fire officials worried about the impact of both legal and illegal fireworks.

Mission Church workers were busy setting up their fireworks booth, as the money raised will go back to youth programs for the church.

Their fireworks booth, located in the Bend Fred Meyer parking lot, is one of many such booths springing up around Central Oregon.

“Every single penny is going towards our kids at Mission Church to help kids in the community, to bring kids in to help mentor them and just be a part of their lives,” Danny Looney said Friday. “And we really want to make some good money this year selling fireworks.”

Looney said the booth is not only making money for the church; but also educating the public about safety when using the fireworks.

“We just explain to customers when they come and they’re buying, and we explain to them fireworks safety,” Looney said. “We also get along with the kids and explain why it’s important to have firework safety. Especially in this dry weather, you want to make sure that you’re very careful.”

There were 192 reported firework-related fires around the state last year.

The call volume for the Bend Fire Department increases sharply during the Fourth of July weekend; the cause of most of those blazes is fireworks.

The fire department says there was an increase in fires in 2012, 2013, and 2014, but the number has dropped in recent years.

Bend Fire Inspector Steve Stenkamp told NewsChannel 21 the main concerns are the dry conditions on the High Desert, especially dry grass that can start a fire.

“If you use illegal fireworks, you are liable, in the event there is any property damage done,” Stenkamp said.

He said people could also face criminal charges or a $500 fine for using illegal fireworks.

Bend fire officials said there are a few important things to remember, especially with the hot and dry weather that we are experiencing.

1. Oregon prohibits the use or possession of any fireworks that either explodes, flies more than a foot off the ground or moves more than 6 feet laterally. You will not find illegal fireworks at legal fireworks stands. People can be cited and fined for using illegal fireworks, or for using fireworks illegally.

2. In spite of our long and wet winter, the light fuels (grasses, etc) are exceptionally dry for mid-June, and any spark will likely ignite a grass fire that can spread quickly and easily.

3. A person who lights a firework, legal or illegal, may be held responsible for the unintended consequences, which include injuries and fires.

4. Most dogs become upset by the sound of illegal (exploding) fireworks. The Humane Society of Central Oregon reports that around July 4, they have a 4-10 fold increase in stray dogs running from the sound and smell of fireworks.

5. Even legal fireworks should only be handled by adults over 18, and they should never be modified. Every year they cause burn injuries.

6. Please have a source of water readily available and a metal can for disposal when you light fireworks.

7. This year’s bumper crop of cheatgrass is cured and ready to burn, so take care with any source of ignition.

“Have fun this Fourth of July, and don’t let an injury, a fire or a lost dog spoil the day,” said Bend fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe. “A little common sense during fire season goes a long way.”

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Another news release, from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office:

The Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon fire service, Keep Oregon Green, the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordination Group, natural resource agencies, Oregon fireworks wholesalers, and safety experts encourage Oregonians to “Keep it Legal and Keep it Safe” when using fireworks. The 2017 Oregon fireworks sales season opens Friday, June 23 and runs through Thursday, July 6 . The OSFM and their partners want everyone to know what fireworks are legal in Oregon, where they are permitted, and the important steps to take for fireworks safety.

“I 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.

July 4th holiday forest visitors are advised to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is prohibited on all national forestland, and most other public lands. “Fireworks compound the threat to already dry forests,” states Keep Oregon Green President Kristin Babbs. “Enjoy fireworks where they belong: on the pavement- safely away from houses, vehicles, and flammable vegetation.”

Oregon law prohibits 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.

There were 192 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon during 2016, resulting in more than $519,000 in property damage. Over the past five years, from 2012 through 2016, there were 944 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in one death and more than $2.1 million in property damage.

Officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. 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. And we encourage you to be aware and considerate of neighbors and their pets, before deciding on when and where you choose to light fireworks.”

The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four B’s of safe fireworks use:
* Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
* Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
* Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
* Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

The four B’s of fireworks safety brochure is available here:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/4BesFireworks.pdf .
Tips in Spanish are also available at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/docs/Licensing_permits/fireworks/Fireworks_4Bs_Spanish.pdf .