In March 2022, Portland City Council permanently banned the sale and use of all consumer fireworks. This restriction includes Independence Day celebrations, particularly with the hot and dry weather expected this holiday weekend. Portland Fire & Rescue (PP&R) encourages people to attend the professional fireworks displays presented throughout the region. Montavilla residents can often view the South Waterfront Blues Festival display from Mt. Tabor Park uphill from Reservoir Number 5.
The consumer fireworks prohibition passed the Portland City Council unanimously in part due to a fatal fireworks fire the previous year and in reaction to the devastating Eagle Creek Fire in the gorge that started with the use of personal fireworks. Fire departments regularly see a spike in injuries, fires, and fatalities related to the fireworks season, which begins on June 23rd and runs through July 6th. People with pets also report significant stress inflicted on their animals during this time, with some dogs and cats becoming separated from their owners when they run away from the explosive sounds.
This holiday weekend’s predicted triple-digit heat and low humidity could contribute to an enhanced danger from fireworks. PF&R is already responding to increased grass, brush, and vegetation fires without the added spark provided by personal pyrotechnics. Fireworks are easy for people to obtain outside the Portland area, with many ignoring the ban. PF&R has seen a rise in Independence Day fires, surpassing pre-ban numbers last year. Officials ask the public to abide by City fireworks rules and help protect the community from harm.
Update: Today, July 2nd, the Fire Marshal issued a burn ban for the City of Portland due to forecasted high temperatures and ongoing dry conditions. Effective immediately, people must refrain from using recreational campfires, fire pits, or burring yard debris. Outdoor grills, smokers, and similar cooking appliances are allowed if they use clean, dry firewood, briquettes, wood chips, pellets, propane, natural gas, or similar fuels. Residents should exercise extreme caution when using the allowed outdoor cooking devices and place them at least ten feet away from anything combustible, such as siding, fences, or shrubbery. The burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer weather season.
Promotion: Help keep independent news accessible to the community. Montavilla News has a Patreon account or you can pay directly online. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to consider becoming paid subscribers or sponsors. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.