Safety threat: Illegal firework sparks Bend fire

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, plenty of legal fireworks stands are popping up. But even with sparklers and fountains readily available, firefighters are already seeing their illegal counterparts, and the threat to people and property they can cause.

Last weekend, a bottle rocket started Bend’s first fireworks-caused fire of the year, said Bend Fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe. Fortunately, it was a small landscaping fire, and no structures were damaged and no one was hurt. But firefighters want to remind the public how dangerous something so small can be.

“The fireworks display on (Pilot) Butte is cool, but the fireworks display by all the people doing the illegal ones is unbelievable,” Howe said Wednesday.

Despite legal fireworks sales taking place now, Howe said most of the fires he sees over the holiday are caused by the illegal ones — and they are more dangerous, because they are hard to control.

“You light the fuse, and it flies wherever it wants to go — and whatever it lands on, it’s still hot enough to ignite it.” Howe said. Years ago, he said, “I responded to a house fire caused by one of these. Burned the house to the ground.”

Howe said even though they aren’t sold here, people bring them from other states.

“People bring in loads and loads of them. Fourth of July is typically our busiest day by far — by exponentially,” he said.

For Bend Fire’s fireworks safety tips, visit: http://www.bendoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=1123

Here’s a joint release issued Thursday by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Bend, Redmond, Sunriver and Black Butte Ranch fire departments:

“Central Oregon law enforcement wishes our citizens and visitors a happy and safe Fourth of July. Please only use legal fireworks and do so in a safe and responsible manner.

“Fireworks, even legal fireworks can be dangerous if used inappropriately. Law enforcement and fire personnel routinely respond to small fires that are sparked by legal and illegal fireworks used during the time around and including the 4th of July. Help us reduce the risk of devastating fires by using fireworks responsibly.

“We routinely respond to complaints of illegal fireworks, which includes any fireworks that: explode, eject balls of fire, fly into the air, or travel more than six feet on the ground. Law Enforcement will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks. Possessing illegal fireworks is a Class B Misdemeanor crime.

“The Black Butte Ranch and Sunriver Police Departments would like to remind you fireworks of any kind are prohibited inside Black Butte Ranch and Sunriver.

“We encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy celebrating, but we ask for voluntary compliance for the safe use of legal fireworks. Your safety is our highest concern.”