Fire up your barbeques, Portland. But don’t buy those fireworks.
Just like last year, it’s illegal for individuals to use fireworks in Portland. The Portland City Council enacted the permanent, year-round ban last March as hotter, dryer summers increased the risk of fires and two incidents showed the catastrophic consequences of one uncontrolled firework.
In September 2017, a teen ignited a blaze that consumed 48,000 acres in the Columbia River Gorge after he threw a smoke bomb into Eagle Creek Canyon.
And on July 4, 2021, a deadly fire sparked by discarded fireworks in a dumpster at the Heidi Manor apartment complex in Northeast Portland forced residents to jump from balconies, and killed three people.
Portland officials say the number of fires due to fireworks has decreased since 2021, when the city imposed what was then a temporary ban.
Fireworks caused half of the 36 fires reported in Portland on July 4, 2020.
On July 4, 2021, fireworks caused just three of 31 fires in Portland, although one of those was the deadly Heidi Manor blaze.
Last year, firefighters said three out of 15 reported fires over the July 4 holiday were caused by fireworks.
Cities such as Milwaulkie and Eugene have passed similar city-wide bans on fireworks, citing concerns around climate change and the well-being of people and animals.
Vancouver banned fireworks in 2016.
For people who live in areas that allow sparklers and fountains, it’s important to keep water nearby and fireworks away from pets and small children. Lighting illegal fireworks can result in a misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $2,500, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Fireworks cause more than 10,000 emergency room trips over Fourth of July in the U.S., as reported by The Associated Press. The National Fire Protection Association encourages those celebrating the holiday to consider glow sticks, noise makers, silly string and crafts as alternatives to fireworks.
Fireworks can also present a nightmare for pet owners. In the 10-day period around July 4, Multnomah County Animal Services reported a 25% increase in dogs or cats entering the shelter when compared to a normal 10-day period in the summer.
If you are using fireworks, make sure pets are wearing collars with identification in case they run away.
Although fireworks are illegal to use at home in Portland, residents and visitors can still catch the fireworks show at the Waterfront Blues Festival. See The Oregonian/OregonLive’s list of Fourth of July activities for more events.
– Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonain.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744
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