Albany Fire Department to Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks

Oregon law bans the possession, use, or sale of fireworks that allow packaging to fly, explode, or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air.

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(ALBANY) - The Albany Fire Department will be responding to illegal fireworks complaints starting the evening of June 30th through the 4th of July.

Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands.

Examples of illegal fireworks are bottle rockets, roman candles, M80's, and firecrackers. Under Oregon law officials may seize illegal fireworks, fine up to $500 per violation, or arrest offenders for possession of illegal fireworks and endangering life and property. Any fireworks causing damage, or misuse of fireworks, carry a liability for the offender who may be required to pay for resulting fire or other damages.

Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. Costs may include assessed fines as well as the cost of handling fireworks-caused fires.

In Oregon during 2005 there were 194 reported fireworks-related fires that resulted in an estimated dollar loss of $287,667.

Illegal fireworks can be disposed of by leaving a message at 917-7703.

A Fire Department representative will make contact to arrange a `no questions asked" transfer of the fireworks to an explosive magazine and disposal by the Oregon State Police Bomb Squad.

When celebrating with legal fireworks, avoid lighting them in areas where landscaping is close to structures; keep a garden hose and bucket of water available; supervise children; and make accommodations for pets that might be disturbed by the noise of fireworks.

Residents living in areas served by the Albany Fire Department may report illegal fireworks activities to the Linn County Dispatch Center at (541) 967-4333.