Firefighters and deputy fire marshals from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue are on the lookout tonight for safety hazards and citizens using illegal fireworks. Firefighters have spent much of the day driving through their first-due response areas looking for safety issues and educating the public about fireworks safety. Tonight, deputy fire marshals will ride along with law enforcement officers looking for people using illegal fireworks and creating other safety hazards. Some of those other hazards can include residents who illegally block access to neighborhood streets for block parties.
Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or move across the ground more than six feet. Fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington or on Native American reservations may be illegal in Oregon. This includes popular items such as bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s. Under Oregon law, law enforcement officers can seize illegal fireworks and you can be fined up to $500 per violation and/or arrested. You can also be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks – legal or illegal.
