Eugene's first Fourth of July fireworks ban: What you need to know
In the fall of 2022, the Eugene City Council voted 6-2 to pass a citywide ban on fireworks, citing fire danger, climate change and the well-being of people and animals.
The ban includes fireworks that are legal elsewhere Oregon, including fountains, most flitter sparklers, ground spinners, most smoke devices and wheels.
The new ban took effect Oct. 29, making this the first Fourth of July holiday with the new law in place.
Here is what you need to know about the ban and how to follow it.
What does Eugene's firework ban cover?
Most "consumer" fireworks are banned. People can't buy, sell or light them off within city limits.
However, according to the city website, there is a short list of consumer fireworks that are still allowed:
Paper caps (containing 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture).
Model rockets and model rocket motors that are used to propel recoverable models of rocket.
Booby trap/pull apart (containing 0.016 grams or less of composition weight).
Novelty flitter sparklers (containing 5 grams or less of composition weight).
Party poppers (containing 0.016 grams or less of composition weight).
Snakes or similar smoke-producing items (containing 100 grains or less of combustible substances).
Novelty snakes (containing 2 grams or less of composition weight).
Snappers [pop-its] (containing 0.001 grams or less of composition weight).
Novelty wire sparklers or novelty dipped sticks (containing 25 grams or less of composition weight).
Novelty smoke devices (containing 5 grams or less of composition weight).
The ban also doesn't apply to professional fireworks shows that have permits. But the new law limits those "display" fireworks to July 3-5, unless otherwise authorized by the city.
What's the penalty for violating the firework ordinance?
The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $500 fine if you buy, sell or set off fireworks within the city limits.
The city warns that you also cannot buy fireworks outside of Eugene and bring them back to the city to set off.
Lane County firework laws
Laws across Lane County vary. In some areas there are limits.
In 2021, Lane County banned the sale, use and manufacture of fireworks in unincorporated areas of the county during a declared fire season. As of June 9, the Oregon Department of Forestry has declared the Western Lane District is in fire season.
South Lane County Fire and Rescue limits use to asphalt, concrete or gravel when a charged garden hose or a 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.
Other prohibited locations include Oregon state beaches, parks, campgrounds, and state and federal forest lands.
Excluding places with specific county or city law, legal fireworks in Oregon include fountains, flitter sparklers and ground spinners.
Oregon 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. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit.
Statewide, legal retail fireworks sales are allowed from June 23 to July 6. The state has no regulations on when consumers can use retail fireworks, however, the state advises residents to check local regulations to ensure they are following the laws in their region.
To reduce the risk of fires, seek out areas free of dried, cured grasses, brush or trees when setting off legal fireworks.
National forest rules
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service sent out a reminder to Pacific Northwest residents about tips and laws regarding fire safety in national forests.
All fireworks, exploding targets and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on national forests in Oregon year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays. This is not limited to use alone − possession of pyrotechnics on national forest grounds is illegal.
Regulations are enforced, according to the USDA, and violators can be fined up to $5,000 and sentenced to up to six months in jail.
The USDA reminded campers to keep campfires small and never leave them unattended. Campers must douse the fire with water, stir and check the campfire for heat before leaving the campsite. Fires must be dead out when left unattended or before leaving the site.
The USDA also asks drivers to stay on designated routes and to park on surfaces that are free of vegetation, as heat from the undercarriage of cars or other motorized vehicles can start a grass fire.
How to report illegal fireworks
Anyone who witnesses or possesses illegal fireworks or explosive devices is encouraged to call their local police dispatch to coordinate surrender of those devices. Eugene asks that residents do not transport such items without prior arrangement with the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit.
Call 541-682-5111 to report illegal fireworks use in progress in Eugene.
Call 541-726-3714 to report illegal fireworks use in progress in Springfield.
In the case of injury, fire or other immediate threat, call 911.
What to do with illegal fireworks
Eugene and Springfield have scheduled illegal fireworks amnesty days on July 1 and 2 when residents who have illegal fireworks at home can get rid of them without being cited.
Amnesty day drop off locations:
Eugene Fire Station 2, 1705 W. 2nd Ave., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1.
Springfield Fire Station 3, 1225 28th St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1.
Eugene Fire Station 2, 1705 W. 2nd Ave., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 2.
Springfield Fire Station 3, 1225 28th St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 2.
How to use Fourth of July fireworks safely
For those who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials released a list of good practices for safe fireworks use:
Be prepared before lighting fireworks: Keep water available nearby 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. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
Be aware: Use only legal fireworks in legal places.
Where to find Fourth of July celebrations
The Register-Guard has compiled a list of Fourth of July events and firework shows around Eugene and Lane County.
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Eugene's Fourth of July fireworks ban: What you need to know
