Press release from: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Special Feature:

THE FIREWORKS FAQ

The Fourth of July is fast approaching. And while it's wonderful to have fun with fireworks, it's absolutely vital to have that fun safely and legally.

And so the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office -- with a lot of help from the Oregon State Fire Marshal -- offers the following answers to frequently asked questions about fireworks safety and legality.

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Q. How can I protect my family from fireworks-related fires and injuries?

A. Promote and practice the 3 BEs:

BE PREPARED -- Before lighting fireworks:

• Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets
• Store fireworks out of children's reach
• Always read and follow label directions
• Place pets indoors; they are easily frightened by fireworks
• Always have water handy (a garden hose or a bucket of water)

BE SAFE -- When lighting fireworks:

• An adult should always light fireworks
• Keep matches and lighters away from children
• Use outdoors only
• Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly
• Keep children and pets away from fireworks
• Always remember, do not throw fireworks or hold in your hand

BE RESPONSIBLE -- After lighting fireworks:

• Soak used fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water
• Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15-20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water)

Safety is the key to preventing fires and injuries when using fireworks. You could sum this up as the "3 Es":

• EDUCATION: Be a role model for children. Promote and practice the 3 BEs.
• ENGINEERING: Ensure all fireworks meet local requirements and are legal where you are using them.
• ENFORCEMENT: Report illegal use, sale or manufacturing of fireworks. And never modify a firework -- it may lead to a felony charge.

You can download a tri-fold brochure containing this info right here.
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Q. Can I use fireworks on beaches or at state parks?

A. No. Fireworks are prohibited on all beaches and in all state parks. Fines may be issued.
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Q. Can you tell the difference between Illegal Fireworks and Illegal Explosive Devices?

A. Illegal explosive devices are often wrongly referred to as fireworks because they look like large firecrackers, but they can have as much explosive power as a quarter-stick of dynamite. DO NOT HANDLE EXPLOSIVE DEVICES -- Contact your local bomb squad.

You can download a PDF of this information here.
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Q. What kinds of fireworks are illegal in Oregon?

A. Illegal fireworks are any fireworks that:

• Fly through the air or explode.
• Move more than 12 feet on smooth ground.
• Act in an uncontrolled manner.

This includes the following:

• Firecrackers (above) are 1/4" by 1-1/2" or less and contain less than .13 grams of powder.
  
  
  
  
• Bottle rockets (above) are 1/4" by 1-1/2', attached to a 12" stick, and their color may vary.
  
  
  
  
• Skyrockets (above) are 1/2" inside diameter, attached to a stick for guidance, and contain up to 20 grams of powder.
  
  
• Also illegal are roman candles, mortars, and artillery shells.

A visual guide to legal and illegal fireworks can be downloaded here.
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Q. What to do if you know someone is making or selling illegal fireworks?

A. Contact your local police or fire department at their non-emergency number.
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Q. When can I buy fireworks?

A. Legal fireworks are sold only from June 23 through July 6 at Oregon licensed retail stands. Smoke items and "snakes" may be purchased year-round. The sale and use of fireworks in your community may be prohibited by local ordinance. Please comply with these restrictions. [ source ]
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Q. What is the liability of a parent whose child starts a fireworks-related fire?

A. According to ORS 480.158, " In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the parent or parents of an unemancipated minor child shall be liable for costs incurred by a public fire agency in suppressing fires caused by use of fireworks by such minor child" -- up to $5,000. Read the full statute here.
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Q. Where can I read the complete Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) regarding the use of fireworks?

A. You can download a Word .doc containing the Oregon Revised Statutes governing fireworks use and sales right here.

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Remember: Only you can prevent fireworks injuries and fires.

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SOURCE: This resource page, developed by Office of State Fire Marshal, TNT Fireworks, and the Oregon Fireworks Task Force.