FAQ: Eugene bans fireworks. What fireworks are legal in Oregon and where can they be used?

Fireworks are now banned within Eugene city limits.

Eugene City Council voted 6-2 to pass a citywide ban on fireworks — even legal ones like fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners and wheels — citing fire danger, climate change and the wellbeing of people and animals.

Council also voted 7-1 to direct the city manager to develop an outreach plan and multimedia campaign about the ban as well an enforcement plan for the ban.

Here's what you need to know about the ban, which goes into effect Oct. 29.

What does the citywide ban cover?

All consumer fireworks are banned. People can't buy, sell or light them off within city limits.

The ban doesn't apply to professional fireworks shows, but those are limited to July 3, 4 and 5 unless otherwise authorized by the city.

Are fireworks banned anywhere else in Lane County?

The sale, use and manufacture of fireworks is banned in unincorporated areas of Lane County during a declared fire season.

Other prohibited locations include Oregon State beaches, parks, campgrounds, and state and federal forest lands.

In some areas of Lane County, there are limits to where people can light fireworks. For example, South Lane County Fire and Rescue limits use to on asphalt, concrete or gravel when a charged garden hose or a 2½ pound or larger fire extinguisher is immediately available.

Oakridge passed a temporary ban in July 2021, but that was only in effect for a brief portion of last summer.

What fireworks are legal in Oregon?

Legal fireworks in Oregon include fountains, flitter sparklers, and ground spinners.

The state 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 also are illegal in Oregon without a permit.

What's the punishment if I buy, sell or use fireworks?

The maximum penalty for violating the citywide ban is a $500 fine, according to a city spokeswoman. Staff added during the meeting that there would not be an associated criminal charge.

State penalties are different. If someone violates state law on fireworks, they could be charged with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500.

People who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage may be held liable and required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage.

Can I still buy fireworks near Eugene?

Yes. There are approved retail locations outside Eugene.

There are more than a dozen in Springfield and a few in Veneta.

To find locations, go to https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Fireworks-Retail-Permits.aspx

What were the rules in Eugene before?

Before, people could use legal fireworks on Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and July 3 and 4.

Sales followed state regulations, which allowed for purchase of fireworks from June 23 to July 6.

Wasn't there a partial ban?

Yes. The ordinance passed Sept. 26 builds on a ban in the areas south of 18th Avenue and east of Agate Street that's set to expire at the end of the year.

Did officials consider alternatives?

Yes. There was an alternative motion to require the provision of education materials and, in some cases, a water bucket at the point of sale and the creation of an extensive outreach and enforcement plan addressing illegal fireworks. That was voted down 5-3.

There also was a motion to amend the ordinance and make the effective date of the ban conditional on approval of a ballot measure. Council voted 4-4, with Mayor Lucy Vinis breaking the tie to vote down the amendment.

Vinis opposed the amendment because she didn't want the ban on the South Hills to expire.

Will there still be amnesty days?

A spokesperson for the Eugene Police Department said the Metro Explosives Disposal Team likely will continue with the annual fireworks amnesty day, which often results in people turning over hundreds of pounds of illegal fireworks.

What did people have to say about the ban?

More than two dozen people spoke against the ban during a public forum before the council discussion and vote.

They said a ban would be unproductive and punish families who choose to celebrate the Fourth of July with legal and safe fireworks.

"There are many alternatives to an outright ban on fireworks," said Jason Trout, the regional manager for TNT Fireworks. "Many solutions exist that other cities are employing all the time."

Dozens of people also emailed councilors in support of a ban, citing concerns about potential fires (especially in the South Hills), the trauma to people and animals and the risk of injury, among other factors.

"The fact that we now live in almost constant drought conditions makes it even more urgent and necessary to take action against individual fireworks," one Ward 8 resident wrote. "I understand that people love their fireworks, but if they REALLY find them a necessary component in their lives, there are some very nice public events that these people can attend."

Councilors also talked about getting a "flood" of emails every year around the Fourth of July asking why they haven't yet banned fireworks.

What did officials have to say?

Councilors who voted in favor of the ban cited concerns about fire danger and the impact on people with PTSD and on pets.

They also said they trust public safety officials, who told councilors in July that an overall ban would make it easier to enforce illegal fireworks.

The "mix of things makes it very difficult to enforce," Councilor Claire Syrett said, echoing statements from the interim fire chief during a work session in July.

Officials who voted against the ban expressed doubt that it will have the intended impact.

Councilor Greg Evans said people are going to use fireworks anyway and made the alternative proposal requiring safety instructions be sold with consumer fireworks.

"I would hope that we can find a middle ground where people can safely celebrate the Fourth of July and New Year's without banning what I would consider low-level fireworks in our community," Evans said.

Councilor Mike Clark said he took issue with limiting people's freedom of expression. He added he understands concerns about fire danger and other impacts but said it "doesn't take any great thinking to recognize the fireworks that are already illegal cause most of the damage and the trauma."

Contact city government watchdog Megan Banta at mbanta@registerguard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeganBanta_1.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: FAQ on Eugene fireworks: What's legal in Oregon, penalty, sales