The use of fireworks, both legal and illegal goes beyond celebrations during Independence Day.
The fireworks are dangerous and have led to injuries and fires.
The law
Oregon law prohibits the possession, use or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit.
Law enforcement agents may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500, according to the OSFM). Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
The use of illegal fireworks constitutes criminal activity and insurance policies may not cover violators if they are engaged in a criminal act that results in damage.
Under Oregon law, the use of any fireworks, legal or illegal, is prohibited on Oregon beaches and officials can seize illegal fireworks.
The illegal fireworks are not available for purchase in Oregon and are brought in from out-of-state, according to law enforcement officials, who encourage Oregonians seeking fireworks to purchase them at licensed firework stands, which are normally in operation close to the Independence Day holiday.
The danger
Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S., according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates. Last year, at least nine people died, and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks.
Of the nine U.S. deaths, six were associated with firework misuse, one death was associated with a mortar launch malfunction, and two incidents were associated with unknown circumstances.
There were an estimated 11,500 emergency room-treated injuries involving fireworks in 2021—down from the spike (15,600) experienced in 2020, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many public displays were cancelled.
An estimated 8,500 fireworks-related injuries (or 74 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2021) occurred during the 1-month special study period between June 18 and July 18 in 2022.
In 2021, there were an estimated 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 1,100 involving sparklers.
Young adults 20 to 24 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2021.
In 2021, the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent).
About 32 percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2021 were for burns.
In 2021, approximately 31 percent of selected and tested fireworks products were found to contain noncompliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload.
Safety steps
Officials offer the following safety steps in celebrating Independence Day.
Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
Be aware: Use only legal fireworks in legal places.
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