Keep It Legal, Keep It Safe! 

"Aw, c'mon!  Fireworks aren't all that dangerous."

"I'm really careful!"

"It's too much trouble to haul my kids to an official event, so a bunch of us get together and do our own show."

"It's traditional!"

"It's American!"

Portland Fire & Rescue has heard it before.  But the fact is that most of the fireworks detonated around July 4 are illegal.  Completely aside from the danger (both legal and personal) of exploding illegal fireworks, there's a huge risk of fire and property damage.

The chart below was extracted from a report from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).  Notice anything interesting?

According to USFA, July 3-5 has the highest incidence of outdoor fires.

For two years, Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Police have participated in "Operation: Lower the Boom", looking for illegal fireworks.  Generally warnings -- rather than citations -- have been issued.  Beginning this year, PF&R intends to cite people and confiscate illegal fireworks.

Oregon law bans possession, use, or sale of fireworks that fly, explode, or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air.  Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon.

It's not just about saving lives and property.  It's about saving YOUR life and your property.