Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and offenders may be fined up to $500 per violation or possibly arrested.

The Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon fire service, natural resource agencies, Oregon fireworks wholesalers and safety experts are reminding Oregonians to keep it legal and keep it safe when using fireworks this 4th of July.

The OSFM and their partners want everyone to be aware of which fireworks are legal in Oregon, where fireworks are legal and the simple steps everyone can take to increase fireworks safety.

"Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands." advises State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr. "Regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. For example, legal fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and forests and on all Oregon beaches as well as Federal parks and forests."

Oregon law bans possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air.

Fireworks commonly called Bottle rockets, Roman Candles, and firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon.

Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and offenders may be fined up to $500 per violation or possibly arrested.

Misuse of fireworks or any fireworks causing damage carries a liability for the offender, who may be required to pay for fire or other damage. Parents are liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

The 283 reported fireworks-related fires for the year 2006 show almost a 46 percent increase from the 194 fireworks-related fires for 2005.

Of the fireworks-related fires, 241 (85 percent) occurred from June 1st through July 31st, 2006, and resulted in an estimated dollar loss of $1,095,857.

Youths, seventeen and younger, were responsible for ninety-two (33 percent), of the 283 fireworks-related fires.

"Using fireworks safely reduces injuries and costly fires," adds Orr.

Steps to safer use of fireworks include:

1. Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
2. Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
3. Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak in a bucket of water before disposal.

This reminder is brought to you by all the men and women in local Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and EMS providers.

printer friendly