Fireworks Safety Guidelines from Corvallis Fire Department

Lighting and watching fireworks can be fun and exciting, but the Corvallis Fire Department is encouraging the community to remember that even legal fireworks can be dangerous and unpredictable. Therefore, extreme caution should always be used when lighting fireworks. If you choose to use locally-purchased and legal fireworks, ensure that you buy them from a licensed vendor at either a temporary stand or retail outlet. Choosing to import or use illegal fireworks or to modify legal fireworks can be dangerous and will result in significant fines up to $500.

In 2017, 318 firework-related fires, resulting in more than $861,000 in damages, occurred in the State of Oregon. Over the past five years, fireworks-related fire were responsible for more than $3 million in property loss.  Every year dozens of injures, serious enough to require medical attention, occur in Oregon. The most common cause of injury has been the basic sparkler. The number of those actually injured by fireworks is no doubt significantly higher as most injuries go unreported.

 As local weather conditions are expected to remain warm and dry through the fourth, residents are highly encouraged to exercise extreme caution while using fireworks. Provide an extra degree of space between your lighting area and any vegetation. As always, do not use illegal fireworks that can become airborne or travel significant distances in an unpredictable manner.  

It is important to note that the firework user or parent is legally responsible for any fire or fire injury caused by a legal or illegal firework. For this reason, it is extremely important for parents to be present with their children at any time they are using fireworks.

Illegal fireworks can be described as any firework that explodes or emits projectiles more than 12 feet into the air or that move more than six feet on the ground.  If you observe these fireworks in use, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you still choose to use or allow your children to use legal fireworks, here are a few very important safety tips to follow EVERY time:

• ALWAYS have water available and light fireworks well away from combustible vegetation or structures.
• ALWAYS keep pets indoors while fireworks are being used in your neighborhood.
• ALWAYS have an adult light fireworks, and keep matches and lighters secured at ALL times.
• ALWAYS light one firework at a time, and move away quickly after lighting.
• NEVER throw a firework or hold it in your hand once lit.
• ALWAYS soak used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight prior to discarding in the outdoor trash. Wait 10-20 minutes before picking up a spent firework.
• NEVER  re-light a “dud” firework! Wait 15-20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• ALWAYS supervise children under the age of 18.   Know what they’re doing - YOU are responsible!

If you have any concerns or questions about fireworks, please don’t hesitate to call the Corvallis Fire Department at 541-766-6961.