Reminder on Oregon Fireworks Laws

Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and offenders may be fined up to $500 per violation or possibly arrested.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon fire service, natural resource agencies, Oregon fireworks wholesalers and safety experts are reminding Oregonians to keep it legal and keep it safe when using fireworks this 4th of July.

The OSFM and their partners want everyone to be aware of which fireworks are legal in Oregon, where fireworks are legal and the simple steps everyone can take to increase fireworks safety.

"Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands." advises State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr. "Regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, legal fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and forests and on all Oregon beaches as well as Federal parks and forests."

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

Fireworks commonly called Bottle rockets, Roman Candles, and firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon.

Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and offenders may be fined up to $500 per violation or possibly arrested.

Misuse of fireworks or any fireworks causing damage carries a liability for the offender, who may be required to pay for fire or other damage. Parents are liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

The 283 reported fireworks-related fires for the year 2006 show almost a 46 percent increase from the 194 fireworks-related fires for 2005.

Of the fireworks-related fires, 241 (85 percent) occurred from June 1st through July 31st, 2006, and resulted in an estimated dollar loss of $1,095,857.

Youths, seventeen and younger, were responsible for ninety-two (33 percent), of the 283 fireworks-related fires.

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Chris July 3, 2010 11:11 am (Pacific time)

I agree with John, the reason they are banned is because of idiots misusing these explosives.

John June 28, 2010 4:26 pm (Pacific time)

These laws a crap!! People should be able to celebrate how they want to. We should not be penalized just because you have a neighbor that can't handle noise, for one day at that. There are worse things then a few bottle rocets and a little firecracker!!!! Are you going to ban picolo petes or screaming roses because they are noisey? As for fire hazards i think that if you arnt't imature and know your surroundings then you wont have a problem!! This is just another way that whoever is behind banning these celebratory creations show there power over your freedom. There Shouldnt be a ban on these items they should just be controlled!! Let people be free but safe and choose how they want to celebrate!! As for the people that cant stand the noise they made something called EAR PLUGS and theres no ban on them so ha that should not be an excuse!! You want to chat about this subject email me (halesjohn1@yahoo.com)

X July 5, 2009 6:20 pm (Pacific time)

T, you're responding to a post from last year... I doubt he's going to come back here... Babies flip out over the tiniest things. This is part of the territory that comes with parenting. Wait a few years and your daughter will probably be giggling with delight and will be able to appreciate how magical fireworks be... Don't try to take away others' rights because your child can't handle noise on one night a year.

T July 4, 2009 10:50 pm (Pacific time)

Coleman, try having a 1yr old child who has been FLIPPING out all night because of the bottle rockets and then see what you have to say. LOL, I'd love to celebrate, a little difficult when my daughter is screaming in terror because of my neighbors stupid bottle rockets...

Coleman October 28, 2008 2:30 pm (Pacific time)

This law is retarded!!! I know people who have large amounts of these fire works and nothing ever happens. we always have a large bucket of water ready and at least 2 or three garden hoses put in position in case of an emergency. And the people who complain about the noise should get out of bed and celebrate. they should celebrate their freedom that most people dont have!! so stop complaining and join the fun!!!

Tyler June 28, 2008 9:01 pm (Pacific time)

If you pay the government you get more rights, and can light fire crackers. If you are poor you don't have the same liberty as a rich person

John July 5, 2007 12:38 am (Pacific time)

I say crack down on them. There have been heavy and loud illegal fireworks going off all night which is why I am up now, having been woke again by M80s. Endangering the property and liberty of others is not patriotic or "Freedom.

Neal Feldman July 4, 2007 10:17 am (Pacific time)

Bring back bottle rockets, firecrackers, roman candles, m-80s, m-100s etc. Folks are getting and using them anyway and to celebrate freedom by imposing ludicrous restrictions is beyond ironic... it is idiotic. The same folks who would be hurt or killed by these are the same ones injuring or killing themselves with 'safe and sane' firework but the 'safe and sane' tripe convinces folks that they are 'safe' so proper care is no longer used as much. Freedom... the other white meat.

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