What fireworks are legal, illegal in Oregon? What to know as Fourth of July nears – OregonLive

Bottle rockets. Firecrackers. Roman candles.

Such fireworks are synonymous with the Fourth of July. But it's against the law to light them without a permit in Oregon, and scofflaws can face sizeable fines.

With July 4th less than two weeks away and firework retail sales season now open here's how Oregonians can have a safe and legal blast on America's birthday:

Illegal fireworks

Unless you have a permit, popular displays such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and Roman candles are against Oregon law, according to the state fire marshal's office.

The office says that without a permit, Oregon law prohibits the possession, sale or use of any firework that explodes, flies into the air or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground.

All of us share the responsibility to use only Oregon consumer legal fireworks and use them carefully, State Fire Marshal Jim Walker said in a statement. Please also consider your neighbors and their pets before deciding on when and where you choose to light legal fireworks.

Selling or using fireworks is illegal in Vancouver, and they may be used only on July 4 in unincorporated Clark County. Anyone celebrating the Fourth elsewhere in Washington should check local fireworks policies.

Fireworks graphic

Legal fireworks

So what fireworks are legal in Oregon? Not many.

Sparklers, smoke devices and fountains are a good place to start. Wheels and ground spinners are OK, too.

And if you happen to enjoy those little poppers that make loud noises when you throw them on the ground, theyre perfectly legal, as well.

Use common sense and keep a close eye on kids who are using fireworks.

Fireworks graphic

Fireworks and public lands

Areas where fireworks are forbidden include federal and state forestlands, as well as Oregon state beaches, parks and campgrounds.

So if you're planning to celebrate with a camping trip or visit to the beach, it's probably best to leave the fireworks behind.

When in doubt, check with local authorities to see what fire restrictions are in your area.

Penalties

We'll let the fire marshal's office take this one:

"Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children."

Fireworks from other states

Theyre illegal, too. Fireworks used in Oregon must be bought here and from permitted retail fireworks outlets.

Fires

Fireworks can spark wildland blazes, as evidenced by the 2017 Eagle Creek fire a nearly 49,000-acre wildfiresparked by a teen recklessly tossing a firecrackerin the Columbia River Gorge.

The fire marshals office says 1,173 fireworks-related fires were reported by local fire agencies in Oregon during the five years ending with 2019. Those blazes resulted in over $4.9 million in property loss and contents damage.

Blazes caused by fireworks reported by those fire agencies also resulted in one death and 36 injuries during the same time period, the fire marshals office said.

Those figures dont include fires on federal or Oregon Department of Forestry land, for example, according to the fire marshals office.

Starting in July, risks for wildfire in many parts of Oregon will be high, Walker said. Fireworks can also start structural fires that threaten lives and property, as we have seen in past years.

Authorities have predicted much of Oregon will haveabove-normal wildfire potentialin July, August and September.

Pets

Your pup probably hates the Fourth of July.

The booms, blasts and lights that humans enjoy tend to terrify our furry friends. And the heat doesn't help.

The Humane Society of the United States advises owners to keep their pets away from fireworks, ask a vet for assistance if their pets are scared by fireworks, protect pets from heatstroke and get them a collar and identification tag. (Even indoor pets should have tags in case they try to escape the noise of fireworks, according to the nonprofit.)

Public fireworks displays

The coronavirus outbreak has prompted the cancellations of popular fireworks shows including Seasides annual Fourth of July fireworks display and the Vancouver Fireworks Spectacular. PortlandsWaterfront Blues Festival, which features a fireworks display, has also been canceled.

Authorities are concerned that people may take fireworks to areas where they wouldnt normally spend their Fourth of July, given the cancellations of large holiday displays, and could start fires by lighting the fireworks, according to a fire marshals office spokesman.

Check back later this week for a list of whats open and closed on the Fourth.

Fireworks photos

Most of us carry a camera in our pocket. And many of us will point our cameras or cellphones skyward next week in search of a perfect shot for social media.

Want to make a memorable image of your Fourth of July celebration? Here's arundown of fireworks photography tips from our archives.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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What fireworks are legal, illegal in Oregon? What to know as Fourth of July nears - OregonLive