Coast Guard New Year’s warning: Flares aren’t toys

The Coast Guard reminded the public of the consequences of illegal flare lighting after an air crew witnessed the firing of several flares near Cannon Beach early New Year’s morning.

A Sector Columbia River air crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter responded to a report of flare sightings around 2 a.m. Monday, witnessing individuals firing dozens of flares from shore and then fleeing into the forest.

“It is against the law to fire distress flares unless in an emergency situation,” said John Bennett, operations unit member at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. “Flares signal that somebody is in immediate danger and needs assistance. False activation can tie up emergency resources and delay the response to genuine emergency calls.”

While the Coast Guard encouraged the public to report potential sightings of distress, it added in a news release, “please remember that there are severe penalties for the misuse of flares, including the cost of the response.”

Also, responding to false flare reports increases the risk of the emergency personnel and could potentially result in the loss of life due to the misuse of visual distress signals.

If you spot a flare, please take these steps to report the incident to local emergency responders.

The Coast Guard strongly encouraged mariners to carry visual distress signals aboard their vessels as they could potentially save lives and to not be afraid to use those signals in the event of a true emergency situation.