Eugene opts against fireworks ban

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — The Eugene City Council has voted against a fireworks ban.

The Register-Guard reports (http://bit.ly/2hakIeJ ) a majority of councilors agreed such a policy would be too difficult to enforce.

Councilor Betty Taylor pushed for a ban. She argued that a partial one imposed two summers ago because of extreme fire danger reduced the use of fireworks.

State law forbids the possession of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than 6 feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air. Legal fireworks include sparklers, fountains, spinners and snakes.

Taylor says even legal fireworks can cause injuries and property damage.

Eugene police have issued fewer than a dozen fireworks citations during the holiday weekends of the past three years. Officials have said their efforts are aimed at education rather than punishment.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com