Redmond Fire & Rescue, the City of Redmond & Redmond Police Department officials are concerned about potential fireworks-related fires and personal injuries as the Fourth of July draws near.
One of the most common fireworks-related fires that Redmond Fire & Rescue crews respond to involves “spent” fireworks placed in grocery sack that rekindle and spread to fences, decks, and even homes.
The best and safest plan is to attend a professional fireworks display and eliminate the risk altogether. Instead of lighting your own legal fireworks, view the professional show launched from the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
Residents can drop off unwanted fireworks (illegal or legal) at any Redmond Fire & Rescue fire station for disposal.
If you’re intent is to use fireworks, keep it legal.
Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or move across the ground more than six feet or up in the air more than 12 inches. This includes popular items like bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s.
Residents should purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon fireworks stand. Fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington or at Native American reservations are illegal in our state.
Many firework-related fires are caused by careless use or improper disposal of legal fireworks. Even legal fireworks are dangerous and have caused injuries and burns to users, especially unsupervised children. This includes sparklers. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees; wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees (National Fire Protection Association).
Redmond Fire & Rescue advises you to celebrate safely this year by following these safety tips:
• Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children at all times.
• Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation.
• Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars, or buildings.
• Never pick up or try to re-light a “dud.”
• Never alter fireworks or make your own.
• Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water and completely soak the spent fireworks.
Under Oregon law, the Fire Marshal’s Office and law enforcement can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations with fines up to $500 per violation and a sentence of up to 6 months in jail. Individuals can be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks — legal or illegal. Individuals using fireworks can also commit other criminal offenses, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and more, which can have large fines and jail/prison time. Use of illegal fireworks within Redmond City limits may result in a fine of $1,500, repeat offenders may receive a fine up to $6,000.
Oregon law also makes parents liable for damage caused by their children and allows fire departments to charge for the cost of suppressing fires caused by fireworks. Additionally, the use of illegal fireworks constitutes criminal activity, and your insurance policy may not cover you if you engage in a criminal act that results in damage.
Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important the 911 system be kept for reporting emergencies, active fires, and serious medical problems. Firework concerns may be reported via email to reportfireworks@redmondoregon.gov or by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 541-693-6911.
