No sparklers, bottle rockets, or mortars are permitted on the streets of Portland for the third year in a row on the Fourth of July. In addition to the major public events that are still occurring β on the Willamette, at the Waterfront Blues Festival, and in Oaks Park β there are plenty of other enjoyable activities to enjoy.
When something flammable rises, it must inevitably fall. The reasons cited for the ban in Portland include fires caused by fireworks, injuries and the stress that the explosions can cause in pets and war-traumatized individuals.
The sale and usage of consumer fireworks in Portland were initially prohibited in 2021, but only for the two weeks preceding and following July 4th. The city council prohibited them year-round last year.
The frequency of fires decreased alongside the prohibition of fireworks. According to Portland Fire & Rescue, fireworks caused half of the 36 fires on July 4, 2020, in Portland. This percentage decreased to 10% of 31 fires on July 4, 2021, and to 14% of 20 fires in 2022.
Do you know that the gunman who conducted a suspected murder-suicide on Monday (26 June) forced his way into the home of his estranged wife, according to Clark County sheriff’s officials? During the incident, the victim’s two daughters, ages 12 and 16, were at home:
Without a permit, fireworks that “fly in the air, explode, or behave in an uncontrolled and unpredictable manner” are prohibited throughout Oregon. In the meantime, in addition to the public fireworks displays, the neighborhoods of Hillsboro, Maywood Park, and others held parades.
Hood River and Sandy are among the communities hosting Fourth of July fireworks displays, while Cannon Beach promotes itself as a “firework-free” destination.
Portland’s Consumer Fireworks Ban has sparked social media reactions –
Man Portland has their priorities straight. You can do hardcore, illegal drugs there, but fireworks are banned. https://t.co/N3WmxXcbaC
β Brendan (@BRtheOutlaw) June 27, 2023
The REAL reason fireworks are illegal in Portland. The celebration of freedom goes against the narrative.
β Hilly Camperson π΄ββ οΈπββ¬ (@realhillycamper) June 27, 2023
Please do not call 911 to report fireworks use. It is very important that our 911 system be kept for reporting only active fires and serious medical problems. Your cooperation with this will save lives. pic.twitter.com/pkoHbraoRD
β Portland/Multnomah 911 (@911BOEC) June 28, 2023
The Fourth of July is drawing near, and we want to remind everyone that fireworks are banned in the City of Portland. More fires are reported on this holiday than any other day of the year, with nearly half being caused by fireworks. It is important that we prevent fires andβ¦
β Commissioner Rene Gonzalez (@CommissionerRG) June 27, 2023
So if all fireworks are banned from the city of portland there shouldnβt be any confusion of drive by shootings from gangs and criminals hearing gun shots from rifles or handguns. The thing is you will always have people going out of state to buy them and bring them back to use.
β TLC Ministries / Church (@ministries_tlc) June 28, 2023
Fire & Rescue Spokesperson Rick Graves told that police and fire personnel have the authority to confiscate fireworks, issue citations and fines (up to $2,500 per offense under Oregon law), and conduct investigations into incidents believed to have been started by fireworks.
Call 911 only to report fires or injuries, not illegal fireworks, according to emergency officials. Instead, the city fire marshal instructs residents to report incidents online or to take notes and call the non-emergency number later.
One state, Massachusetts, is the only one in the nation to prohibit fireworks entirely. Oregon is one of a small minority of states that prohibit them. Some locations use drones for illuminated aerial entertainment.
