‘Know the rules, and play by them:’ Bend, Redmond officials remind residents of fireworks regulations

(Update: adding video, comments from Bend and Redmond police)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – With the Fourth of July coming up, Americans will celebrate in many ways, some with the traditional pastime of fireworks. However, with hot, dry conditions and fire season at hand, and with the recent Darlene 3 Fire in mind, some cities prohibit fireworks, while others warn of the costly consequences of using illegal ones.

Fireworks shows are among the most well-known pastimes for celebrating American Independence, but with an increasingly hotter and dryer environment over the past few years, many cities in Oregon are regulating the use of personal-use fireworks.

Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said Monday, "The last thing that our officers and that our community needs on a night when we have a lot of calls for service because of people being involved in in dangerous situations is adding a fire to the mix."

In Bend it is illegal to use, purchase, or possess fireworks. Breaking the rules could result in a $750 fine and Class A civil infraction. In Redmond, Oregon's legal fireworks are permitted, but if folks are caught with illegal ones, they could face a $500 fine or criminal citation, if they're repeat offenders.

Redmond Police Lieutenant Eric Beckwith said, "If it can be airborne or launched or explode, that it's probably not going to be within the guidelines and will be illegal."

Not only can punishment be given to those in possession of fireworks, but it can also be applied to the property owner where they're being launched. Both cities' police departments stress the importance of following the rules due to the busy time of year for them.

Miller said, "Our call load on the 4th of July is extremely high for things like assaults and fights and DUIIs and really emergent issues. So we don't have a ton of time for our officers to just be going from fireworks call to fireworks call."

Beckwith added, "We want people to enjoy the Fourth of July in a safe manner. We want them to have all of their fingers on the Fifth of July. We want them to do so, to respect their neighbors and other people trying to enjoy the Fourth of July without illegal fireworks."

In Bend, the alternative to illegal fireworks is, of course, the annual Pilot Butte Fireworks Show that's permitted and coordinated with Bend Fire and the Oregon State Fire Marshal

"What we need is for the community to know the rules and play by them," Miller said. "We don't need your celebrations as well. We can all watch the one that happens right here at the butte."

Bend Police ask the community not to call 911 unless fireworks pose a severe risk to the community. In Bend, folks can report illegal firework use at fireworks@bendoregon.gov to help give police an idea of where those illegal fireworks are taking place.

In Redmond, residents can email reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov or call the non emergency dispatch number, 541-693-6911.

Here's the city of Redmond's news release Monday:

City of Redmond Reminds Residents Use of Illegal Fireworks May Result in $500 Fine

REDMOND, OR – Fourth of July festivities are drawing near and with them come fireworks.  The City of Redmond would like to encourage everyone to enjoy the day safely and free from accidental fire.  When purchasing fireworks, make sure they are approved by the State Fire Marshal’s office. Use of illegal fireworks within Redmond City limits may result in a fine of $500, repeat offenders may receive a fine up to $2,500 and/or jail time up to six months.

“Redmond’s fireworks ordinance not only applies to the person(s) possessing or using illegal fireworks, but it may also be applied to the property owner, renter, or other person in charge of property where fireworks are used or possessed,” states Lieutenant Eric Beckwith, Redmond Police Department. “Please enjoy fireworks responsibly; take steps to light them safely and dispose of them properly once extinguished to ensure it’s a fun occasion for everyone.”

Any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or behaves in an uncontrollable and unpredictable manner are illegal in Oregon.  In Redmond, the use of all fireworks in the Dry Canyon Parks System is prohibited.    Ordinance #2023-04 describes the Dry Canyon Parks System as all City owned property located between the canyon rims running from Quartz to Spruce Avenue.

Fireworks danger is commonly associated with the dry summer months. However, Redmond’s high desert climate and dry conditions make wildfire possible all year long. To learn more about fireworks allowed in Oregon and/or safety guidelines, please visit the State Fire Marshal’s website at https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Fireworks.aspx.

Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems.  Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov or by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.

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OREGON STATE FIRE MARSHAL URGES CAUTION DURING FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY AMID INCREASED WILDFIRE RISK

SALEM, Ore., – As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging all Oregonians to be mindful of the hot weather and increased wildfire risk. With temperatures rising, the potential for wildfires is significantly heightened, and Oregonians should take extra precautions to make sure everyone is safe.

"We’ve already seen this year how wildfires can impact communities with the Darlene 3 Fire in Deschutes County. With temperatures forecasted to be in the 90s for the Fourth of July holiday we’ll see an increased risk of wildfire,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. "We all need to do our part to keep Oregon safe and enjoy a fun, fire-free Fourth of July.

To reduce fire risk, some local governments in Oregon have firework sales or use restrictions in place. Oregonians are asked to check local regulations and follow them where they live or travel to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where fireworks may be used. People who plan to visit public lands and parks are asked to leave all fireworks at home. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. Fireworks are also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

For those who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs 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. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
• Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be aware: use only legal fireworks in legal places.

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 state fire marshal. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

Visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website for resources about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, retail sale permits, and state rules for firework use and enforcement activities.

works, retail sale permits, and state rules for firework use and enforcement activities to its website. 

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Bend Police Department and Bend Fire & Rescue Remind Community of Fireworks Ban, How to Report
Bend Fire & Rescue 

Summer is warming up, and with the July 4 holiday quickly approaching, the City of Bend Police Department and Bend Fire & Rescue wish to remind the community about the rules regarding fireworks use in Bend and the surrounding area.

Within Bend city limits, the use, sale and possession of fireworks is banned per City Ordinance. This means that sales tents and in-store purchases of fireworks in Bend are not permitted, and fireworks purchased elsewhere cannot be brought to Bend and discharged. 

There are a few novelty items, or “non-fireworks,” that are legal to use in Bend such as smoke bombs, wire core sparklers, snakes and party poppers. 

Fireworks outside of city limits must be Oregon-legal. Fireworks that explode, eject balls of fire, fly into the air, or travel more than six feet along the ground are illegal within the state of Oregon.

Violations can result in criminal or civil penalties, including fines per offense. This could mean up to $750 for City ordinance violations, and according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, as much as $2,500 for firework use violating state law. There could also be costs for damage, injury and services incurred because of noncompliance.

If you are in an area that permits fireworks, please remember to use them safely. 

• Have a water source nearby in case of an accident or defective firework.
• Only use fireworks on non-combustible surfaces like gravel or pavement.
• Follow age restrictions. Only adults should light and use fireworks – never children.
• Soak discharged fireworks in water before disposal.

If you want to report the use of fireworks in the city of Bend, you can do so by emailing fireworks@bendoregon.gov. Reporting will not prompt a police or fire response but will allow us to collect data about illegal firework use throughout the city. If you see illegal use of fireworks that is creating an imminent danger to people or property, you should call 911. 

Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year for first responders. The Bend Police Department will have additional patrol teams on hand to deal with the influx of calls, but we ask the Bend community to help our officers by following the local ban on fireworks, which will allow quicker responses to emergencies and avoid a flood of calls to Deschutes County 911 dispatch. 

Learn more at bendoregon.gov/fireworks.