Let’s just say not everyone got the message.
Portland this year joined cities like Vancouver by banning the personal use of fireworks, but neighborhoods within its city limits still heard and saw ground spinners, sparklers and more on July Fourth.
A spokesman for Portland Fire and Rescue said Tuesday that fireworks caused at least three out of 15 reported fires on the holiday. That’s similar to the year before, when Portland implemented a temporary ban. On July 4, 2021, there were 31 fires in total with three caused by fireworks, including the deadly fire at the Heidi Manor apartment complex in Northeast Portland.
In 2020, fireworks sparked 18 of the 36 fires on July Fourth.
Outside of Portland, other restrictions apply. Oregon prohibits fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air.
For people who didn’t know about Portland’s ban or live in places that permit certain fireworks, it’s time to think about safe disposal, to avoid fires and injury to waste and recycling workers.
Clark County officials advise people to put used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight, then put them in a garbage bag in the garbage bin. To avoid runoff into sewers, pour dirty water onto grass, dirt or other landscape that won’t allow it to flow into a drain, county officials said.
Do not put unused fireworks in the garbage or any fireworks in recycling bins, they added.
Portland’s fire bureau is still investigating several fires from Monday, spokesman Terry Foster said.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; (503) 319-9744
