Fireworks Banned in West Linn through July 19th

Updated July 12, 2021 -- Due to the elevated risk of fire damage caused by extreme heat and dry conditions,  the City of West Linn declared a local state of emergency on July 1, 2021 and has prohibited the use of ALL fireworks within city limits. This emergency order bans the use of any and all fireworks through July 19th, both those that are typically legal and illegal in Oregon. This ban was extended to July 19th by City Council at their July 12th meeting.

Fireworks may be confiscated and violators are subject to fines up to $2,500 per violation and criminal charges, including reckless burning, criminal mischief and/or reckless endangerment. You can also be held liable under Oregon law for damage and costs incurred in suppressing fires caused by yourself or your children. Anyone with significant concerns about a situation involving fireworks can call the police non emergency line at 503-635-0238. Only call 911 for serious and immediate threats to life and property, there are limited phone lines for emergency services and tying up these important lines may delay emergency response to others in need. 

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVFR) is urging people to not use fireworks this holiday due to record-breaking weather and drought conditions, reminding us that this is the busiest time of year for emergency responders and prevention of fires requires a collective effort. As a reminder, TVFR enacted a High-Fire Danger Burn Ban that remains in effect and prohibits all outdoor burning in West Linn. Backyard burning is additionally not permitted inside City limits due to the Department of Environmental Quality Burn Ban Boundary.  

If fines, court visits, and loss of your fireworks aren't incentive enough, please show some compassion for your neighbors. Fireworks can be traumatizing to animals, senior citizens, military veterans, children and others, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Public fireworks shows are exempt from the ban, but have to meet several conditions under a special state permit with approval and oversight from TVFR and the Oregon State Fire Marshall (details on these rules can be found here). These events are held by certified operators and will have inspection and an onsite presence during the event by a TVFR crew. 

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