Firework sales set to begin in Oregon on June 23

With many Independence Day community firework displays canceled because of gathering limits imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, many will be planning their own celebrations at home.

Retail firework sales begin Tuesday and continue through July 6 at permitted sales locations across the state.

However, despite a historically wet June in parts of the state, officials are emphasizing extreme care to prevent damage to property, personal injury and situations which would occupy emergency first responders already busy with providing frontline medical services during the pandemic.

“Last year’s losses totaled more than $1.8 million and were the most costly in a half-decade,” said Mark Johnston, assistant chief deputy with the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal.

Fireworks continue to be prohibited on all national and state forestland, state parks and beaches.

City regulations restrict the use of legal fireworks within Eugene to July 3- 4 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

Oregon law also prohibits the sale or use of any firework that flies into the air, explodes or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground. Aerial fireworks are only allowed with a permit issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

A list of frequently asked questions is available from the fire marshal’s office at oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/.

Officials urge residents who wish to report the use of illegal fireworks to not call 911 unless it’s an emergency and instead call the non-emergency dispatch line for their local law enforcement agency.