Fireworks Safety 2025
The fourth of July is almost here! While fireworks are fun, TVF&R reminds us they can be tough on vets and pets. July fourth is TVFR's busiest day of the year. Consider attending a professional display instead of setting off your own.
If you intend to use fireworks, keep them legal and safe.
Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or travel on the ground more than six feet — this includes bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s.
To be legal, purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon firework stand. Fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington or at a Native American reservation may be illegal in our state.
Just because some fireworks are legal, doesn’t mean they’re 100 percent safe. This includes sparklers. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees — wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Even legal fireworks are dangerous and can cause injuries and burns.
Safety tips:
- Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children (and that one relative) at all times.
- Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation.
- Never pick up or try to re-light a “dud.”
- Never alter fireworks or try to mad-scientist your own. Save the DIY energy for that big home project.
- Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water.
- Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.
Reporting fireworks incidents
- If you need to report a fire or medical emergency call 911
- Individuals needing to report a nuisance or concern about illegal fireworks should do so via the non-emergency dispatch number: 503-635-0238. These situations will be logged and responded to as resources allow.
Penalties for misusing fireworks
- West Linn Police enforces criminal laws related to the use of illegal fireworks in Oregon.
- Officers can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations, including reckless burning criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and more, with fines up to $2,500 per violation.
- You can be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of ANY fireworks -- legal or illegal.
- Fireworks can raise many concerns for the safety and well being of animals, senior citizens, veterans, and community members at large. There has also been concern regarding injuries and fires caused by fireworks that can damage property and the environment.
Be a good neighbor
- Be mindful that fireworks can raise many concerns for the safety and well being of animals, senior citizens, military veterans, and other community members.
- Fireworks can sound like gunfire, bombs, or missiles. The sound of fireworks can be extremely triggering for combat veterans and others who have experienced trauma. Those impacted are likely taking personal steps to manage their symptoms, but keeping fireworks use within reason helps to support those more vulnerable.
- Loud pops, crackles, whistles and explosions can be terrifying to animals and cause them to bolt and escape from fences and enclosures. Keep your pets inside and make sure they are wearing their identification tag or are microchipped. More tips on animal safety.
For more safety tips, visit www.tvfr.com or www.oregon.gov/osfm/pages/fireworks-.aspx
