Fireworks

Portland fire officials are touting their inaugural fireworks complaint platform as a success, after seeing a 13% reduction in 911 calls and a nearly 70% drop in emergency call answer times.

OPB compiled a list of free fireworks and drone displays across Oregon and in Southwest Washington.

Firework season is currently underway in Oregon. The annual 14-day legal firework purchasing period kicked off on June 23 ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

Most local governments in Lincoln County only ban fireworks during fire-prone weather.

Witnesses said a fire that destroyed a vacant building in Northeast Portland’s Lloyd District was started by fireworks, but officials said that hasn’t been confirmed.

Firework-related injuries and deaths spiked during the pandemic when large displays and gatherings were canceled. So authorities in the Pacific Northwest are asking people to be more careful this Fourth of July.

As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks go on sale throughout much of Oregon on Thursday. And the state fire marshal’s office is reminding people to celebrate legally and safely.

Portland leaders agreed on Wednesday to ban the sale and use of personal fireworks year-round as climate change increases the risk of a deadly fire.

The July 4 blaze killed two people and destroyed two apartment buildings. A third person is in critical, but stable, condition.

Hazardous dry weather and scorching temperatures have exposed the Northwest to significant fire danger as the region heads into the worst of fire season.