Fireworks going on sale before the Fourth; state officials urge safety, while Bend reminds of ban on sales, use in the city

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – With fireworks set to go on sale on Sunday, “Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Oregon's 2024 fireworks retail sales season begins on June 23 and runs through July 6.

"The state fire marshal would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use, where fireworks can be used, and how to use them safely," Friday's news release stated. 

“We ask Oregonians to be responsible if they plan to use fireworks as part of their celebrations,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “Every year, we see fires and injuries because of improper use of fireworks or illegal fireworks. Our message is simple: Keep it legal and keep it safe.”  
 
To reduce the risk of starting a fire, 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 where they may be traveling to celebrate the Fourth of July. 

Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used, including public lands and parks.

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 spent fireworks 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. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500.

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 also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has resources about the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, 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.