With fireworks banned in several cities in Oregon, and warm, dry weather persisting throughout the Portland area, the Willamette Valley and Southwest Washington this week, typical Fourth of July festivities could be dangerous, if not illegal.
Here are a few things to keep in mind as Independence Day festivities kick off.
Fireworks may be banned in your area
The city of Portland issued a permanent ban on personal fireworks last year, and other Oregon and Southwest Washington cities have done the same.
Lighting fireworks can result in heavy fines and even jail time, according to Portland officials.
Cities such as Milwaulkie, Eugene and Cannon Beach have joined Portland in firework bans, citing concerns around climate change and safety. Vancouver banned fireworks in 2016.
Portland fire investigators will be looking into all fires with a possible connection to fireworks, and officials warn that people will be held responsible if their firework use was found as the cause.
Don’t call 911 to report illegal fireworks
Officials ask that people reporting fireworks call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 to keep the 911 system clear for emergencies.
More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year in the U.S., according to Portland officials. If you see dangerous firework activity, call the non-emergency line. If a fire breaks out or someone is severely injured, call 911.
These types of fireworks are illegal state-wide
Outside of cities that ban fireworks, state law still limits their use. Only fountains, flitter sparklers and ground spinners are permitted.
Fireworks that fly in the air, explode or that are unpredictable are not allowed, according to Oregon law. Authorities may seize illegal fireworks, and users could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor and a fine up to $2,500.
Fireworks have caused catastrophic fires in Oregon
Over the years, fireworks have been the cause of deadly and catastrophic fires.
In the fall of 2017, a teen threw a smoke bomb into Eagle Creek Canyon, sparking a 48,000- acre fire in the Columbia River Gorge.
On the Fourth of July 2021, a fire sparked by discarded fireworks in a dumpster at the Heidi Manor apartment complex set the building ablaze, forcing residents to jump from balconies. The fire killed three people.
Residents lighting fireworks should do so safely, and let them soak in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them away. Fireworks should be kept away from pets and young children.
Prepare your pets
Loud bangs and sudden flashes can send pets into a frenzy, which can often lead them to run away.
During the 10-day period around July 4, Multnomah County Animal Services reported a 25% increase in dogs or cats entering the shelter compared to a normal 10-day period during the rest of the summer.
The Oregon Humane Society asks pet owners to make sure their furry friends are wearing collars with identification and are microchipped. The organization recommends putting agitated dogs and cats into a room with no windows with the door securely closed if needed. Owners can also check with veterinarians about tranquilizers.
The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter in Hillsboro will be open July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with limited services to help reunite pets that get separated from their owners. Anyone who finds a lost pet should call 503-846-7039 before bringing an animal to the Hillsboro shelter.
The shelter also recommends creating a safe space for animals in the home to get away from the holiday commotion, and keeping dogs on a leash while outside, even in a fenced backyard.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
