As Independence Day approaches, fireworks stands are once again appearing across Oregon, signaling the arrival of one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year. While fireworks remain a longtime Fourth of July tradition, this year’s celebration comes during an active wildfire season, prompting fire officials throughout Southern Oregon to remind residents that knowing the law is just as important as celebrating safely.
Although consumer fireworks are legal for purchase throughout much of Oregon during the holiday season, where they may be used, what types are allowed, and when they can be discharged varies depending on state law and local ordinances. In Josephine County, where dry vegetation and elevated fire danger continue to create hazardous conditions, residents are urged to understand the restrictions before lighting any fireworks.
Under Oregon law, only approved consumer fireworks may be sold to the public. These are generally limited to ground-based novelty fireworks that remain close to the ground and do not explode or launch into the air. Legal consumer fireworks include items such as fountains, ground spinners, smoke devices, flitter sparklers, illuminating torches, and similar novelty devices.
The following fireworks remain illegal for public possession or use in Oregon without a special permit:
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Mortars
• Firecrackers
• Cherry bombs
• M-80s
• Sky lanterns (Chinese lanterns)
• Missiles or rockets
• Any firework that flies into the air
• Any firework that explodes
• Any firework that travels more than 12 feet horizontally
These restrictions exist because aerial and explosive fireworks account for many of the wildfires and injuries reported each summer across the state.
Residents should also remember that purchasing a legal firework does not necessarily mean it may be used everywhere. Fire restrictions throughout Josephine County significantly limit where fireworks are permitted.
Current fire season regulations prohibit fireworks on or within one-eighth mile of lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Fireworks are also prohibited on Bureau of Land Management properties, national forests, many public recreation areas, state parks, state beaches, and numerous other publicly managed lands where wildfire risk is elevated.
For those living inside the Grants Pass city limits, the rules are even more restrictive.
Within the city, Oregon-legal consumer fireworks may only be used on July 4 between 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Even during those hours, fireworks remain prohibited in designated wildfire hazard areas, city parks, public school properties, and neighborhoods specifically posted as “No Fireworks Allowed.” Several areas on the north and west sides of the city fall within permanent firework restriction zones because of their proximity to dry vegetation and wildfire hazards.
Fire officials also remind residents that violating fireworks laws can carry significant financial consequences. Illegal fireworks may be confiscated, criminal citations may be issued, and individuals who cause fires can be held financially responsible for firefighting costs, property damage, and injuries. Parents may also be held liable for damages caused by minors using fireworks.
With temperatures expected to remain warm and vegetation across Southern Oregon already drying rapidly, emergency responders encourage anyone choosing to use legal fireworks to do so responsibly.
Safety recommendations include:
• Keep a charged garden hose or buckets of water nearby before lighting fireworks.
• Use fireworks only on paved or nonflammable surfaces away from dry grass and brush.
• Never allow young children to ignite fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never attempt to relight a malfunctioning firework.
• Keep spectators, children, and pets a safe distance away.
• Never hold fireworks in your hand after lighting them.
• Avoid using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Soak all used fireworks in water overnight before placing them in the trash.
• If a firework fails to ignite, wait at least 15 to 20 minutes before carefully soaking it in water.
• If a fire starts, call 911 immediately rather than attempting to fight a rapidly spreading vegetation fire yourself.
Fire officials also encourage residents to consider attending one of the many professionally managed public fireworks displays scheduled throughout Southern Oregon. Licensed displays are conducted by trained operators working under state permits with fire protection resources already in place, offering families a safer way to celebrate without increasing wildfire risks.
As Josephine County enters one of the driest periods of the year, officials emphasize that a single spark can quickly become a fast-moving wildfire. Understanding Oregon’s fireworks laws, respecting local restrictions, and practicing safe handling can help ensure that Independence Day remains a celebration rather than the beginning of an emergency response.