Many cities in the Rogue Valley banned fireworks after the 2020 fire season. Medford and Jackson County allow “legal” fireworks.
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, local residents are preparing to enjoy the festivities while juggling concerns about increased fire danger from the ongoing drought and other variables.
It’s a tough mix, local cities and firefighters admit. While countless friends and neighbors are still recovering from the 2020 Almeda fire and local homeowners are struggling with water shortages and dry vegetation, others are eager to buy fireworks and celebrate with sparks and other fireworks.
Even the Phoenix High School band, many of whose families were devastated by the Almeda fire, depends on fireworks sales at their local stand for band trips and other expenses.
Local fire officials are urging common sense and asking people to use caution when using “legal” fireworks and not be tempted to use the illegal kind.
Several cities and towns banned fireworks after the 2020 fire season, including Phoenix, Talent, Ashland, Gold Hill, Shady Cove and Jacksonville.
Fire District 3 Fire Marshal John Patterson said most local fire departments and districts will be beefing up staff around the July 4th holiday.
“In Fire District 3, for the most part, we follow the default state rules, and the types of fireworks that anyone can buy are pretty consistent across the state,” Patterson said.
“The best advice we can give is just be responsible. Find a good safe area to set off fireworks, be as safe as possible and take all precautions. Stay away from combustible vegetation and have a water source available, either a hose with a nozzle or buckets of water.”
Patterson said a good portion of fireworks-related accidents occur when underage participants light the fireworks.
“The biggest problems we see are when kids get the fireworks, right before or in the days after (July 4th). They think, ‘That was fun, here’s some debris we can take away,'” he added.
While more and more families will be skipping personal fireworks this year for organized shows like those at Central Point and Eagle Point, Patterson said those who want to use personal fireworks are invited to join forces in a “ community fireworks area,” hosted by District 3. at the Expo.
“We did it a few years ago, before COVID, and it was a great success. Everyone can bring a small bunch of fireworks and set them off and then sit back and enjoy the others as well,” he said.
“We just want everyone to have a good time, but be sure how they want to celebrate.”
Here is a list of rules from different governments.
Oregon
State law allows the purchase of “legal consumer fireworks” from licensed fireworks retailers and fireworks displays from June 23 to July 6. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use or sale of any fireworks that fly into the air, explode or travel more than 12 feet horizontally. on the ground (without special permission).
Examples of illegal fireworks include bottle rockets and roman candles. Oregon residents caught using illegal fireworks can have their fireworks confiscated, be fined up to $2,500 per violation and be held liable for property damage and firefighting costs.
Fireworks are prohibited on all beaches, state parks, and state or federal lands. For more information on status, see www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Fireworks.aspx
Jackson County
County officials are encouraging residents to forgo personal fireworks in favor of organized displays. If weather conditions become hazardous, county officials said they may coordinate a request asking citizens to voluntarily refrain from using fireworks.
Medford
Legal consumer fireworks are permitted in the City of Medford between July 1st and July 6th. Prohibited areas include natural hazard areas (hills east of Foothill and North Phoenix Road), Bear Creek Greenway, and any city park or public school.
Cities following state guidelines allowing “legal” fireworks include Rogue River and Eagle Point.
Contact freelance writer Buffy Pollock at buffyp76@yahoo.com.
