With the Fourth of July holiday right around the corner, it is important to know what types of fireworks are legal within Philomath and the surrounding county, when they can be used, how to safely use them and tips to be safe this holiday.
Legal consumer fireworks include ground and hand-held sparkling devices — any devices that rise into the air and explode/detonate or fly above the ground are illegal (for example, sky/bottle rockets, sky lanterns, reloadable shell devices, aerial shells and single-tube devices that are shot up into the air).
The Philomath Police Department will cite persons who use or possess illegal fireworks.
State statute determines when legal consumer fireworks can be sold. In Oregon, the 2024 consumer fireworks retail sales season runs from June 23 to July 6. While there are no restrictions in the use of consumer fireworks, they should not be used during windy, high or extreme fire conditions, and never in restricted forested or beach areas.
Please be courteous to your neighbors and limit the use of fireworks to reasonable hours.
Legal consumer fireworks are only allowed on private property and individuals who use, discharge or ignite permissible consumer fireworks are responsible and liable for expenses as a result of any emergency response that is required.
To reduce risks associated with fireworks, Philomath Fire and Rescue recommends the following safety tips:
- Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees and can cause serious injuries.
- Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging – use retail stands to purchase fireworks.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device in a bucket of water overnight before discarding in the trash to prevent a trash fire.
- Only use legal consumer fireworks and always leave the fireworks that rise into that air (illegal for consumer use) to the professionals.
Fireworks can also pose a risk to pets and livestock. The following safety tips are recommended:
- Do not take your pet to firework displays.
- Provide a safe area away from loud noises.
- Do not place glow sticks or jewelry on your pet.
- Have your pet properly identified with a microchip and/or ID tag.
- Never use fireworks around your pet or livestock and be aware of your neighbors’ pets and livestock.
Please remember during your time of celebration that fireworks can be dangerous and that it is important to be neighborly.
If you suspect illegal fireworks are being used in your neighborhood, please contact Philomath PD’s non-emergency number at 541-929-6911. Philomath Fire and Rescue is partnering with Philomath PD to provide a safe and enjoyable holiday. For fire and medical emergencies, call 911.
For additional information regarding fireworks, including safe disposal tips, visit https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/pages/fireworks-.aspx.
(Rich Saalsaa is the deputy fire chief and public information officer for Philomath Fire and Rescue. He can be reached at Rich.Saalsaa@philomathfire.com or 541-360-0030.)
