Fireworks banned in South Eugene; turn in illegal fireworks July 2-3

Due to the severe drought conditions and the upcoming 4th of July holiday, an emergency is declared to exist and on Monday, Eugene City Council voted unanimously to temporarily ban all fireworks in the south hills, south from 18th Avenue or east of Agate Street through 2021 and 2022. This ban, effective immediately, was a necessary step for public health and safety. The ban includes legal fireworks like fountains, glitter sparklers, ground spinners and wheels. The temporary ban penalty is a fine not to exceed $500. The presumptive fine is $250. Maps are attached.

CITY ORDINANCE (APPLYING TO ALL EUGENE CITY LOCATIONS)

Fireworks went on sale June 23 and can be sold through July 6. Consumer fireworks discharges within the Eugene city limits are restricted to July 3 and 4, and December 31 and January 1. Commercial public displays with the Eugene city limits are restricted to July 3-5.

OREGON LAW APPLYING TO FIREWORKS

Oregon law prohibits illegal fireworks, which include any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, throughout the entire city, without a permit. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman Candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon.

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EUGENE AND SPRINGFIELD ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AMNESTY TURN-IN DAY

If you have illegal fireworks at your home, there is an opportunity for you to get rid of them without getting cited. Illegal Fireworks Amnesty Turn-in Day will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday, July 2 in Eugene (2 and Chambers) and Saturday, July 3, in Springfield at Eugene Springfield Fire Station 3, (1225 28th Street). The event is only open to private individuals, not commercial parties. Do NOT take fireworks to a police or fire station.

Eugene Springfield Fire has a Fireworks App (Fireworks Alert) – https://www.eugene-or.gov/120/Fire-and-Emergency-Medical-Services Look for the article “Download New App to Report Illegal Fireworks Use”. City officials receive the information along with the geo location from where the picture was taken. Reports will not result in immediate action. Information will be gathered and analyzed to identify areas of the community to target future education and enforcement efforts.

Fireworks are a traditional way to celebrate some holidays, but they can be noisy and an extreme fire hazard. Please be mindful of people in your neighborhood who may be sensitive to loud noises, due to PTSD or other conditions. Especially combat veterans, who deserve our every comfort after their service, can be impacted by the sounds and sights of illegal fireworks. Also many pets are lost each year due to reactions to fireworks.

To report illegal fireworks within the Eugene city limits, call 541.682.5111. To report within the Springfield city limits call 541.726.3714. The Eugene base fine for illegal fireworks is $250. The social host ordinance in Eugene also applies to fireworks. The social host, or ordinance on unruly gatherings, holds individuals criminally responsible for hosting, organizing and allowing an unruly event or social gathering. Eugene property owners where the event is hosted will also be penalized if there are multiple violations of this ordinance at the same property. The Eugene Municipal Court has assigned a base fine of $375 for criminal violations of this ordinance. Both hosts and property owners could be civilly liable for police, fire and public works response to repeated illegal gatherings that fall under this ordinance. For more information: SOCIAL HOST

BACKGROUND FIREWORKS INFO

People often ask questions about sparklers. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website information states that wood core sparklers are considered legal retail fireworks and as such, would be subject to the new code. The 10-inch wire core sparklers are considered an unclassified item and not a firework and can be sold and used throughout the year.

More info at Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm

What are Legal Fireworks?

Legal fireworks in Oregon can be sold from June 23 through July 6 of each year. These include fountains, spinners and wheels available at retail fireworks outlets. Additionally, legal fireworks produce only smoke, sparks or fire but DO NOT explode, eject balls of fire, fly into the air more than 12 inches or travel more than six feet on the ground. When both legal and illegal fireworks are improperly handled, injuries and fire damage occur.

Illegal fireworks include but are not limited to, fire crackers, bottle rockets and roman candles, fly into the air, explode and behave in an uncontrolled and unpredictable manner. Illegal fireworks are extremely dangerous and create extreme fire danger. Possession of illegal fireworks is a class B misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $2,500 and six months in jail.

Cherry bombs, M-80’s and larger and any legal or illegal firework that has been modified are considered an EXPLOSIVE DEVICE and should not be handled. Call the Eugene Police Department immediately and do not transport.

Reporting Illegal Fireworks

Report illegal fireworks use in progress in Eugene: 541-682-5111

Report Illegal fireworks use in progress in Springfield: 541.726. 541.726.3714

Safety info at: www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm

Eugene Springfield Fire has a Fireworks App. To download the app:

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fireworks-alert/id1393299812?ls=1&mt=8

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=coe.fireworksalert.client