June 1, 2020 3:20 a.m. 
The Office of State Fire Marshal, natural resource agencies, licensed fireworks wholesalers and health and safety experts are encouraging Oregonians to “keep it legal and safe” when using legal fireworks.
The 2020 Oregon fireworks retail season opens June 23rd and runs through July 6th.
Matt Johnston, assistant chief deputy fire marshal, said Oregonians can help each other and especially first responders by keeping all fireworks use safe and legal, “especially now with greater risks of wildfire this fire season and the stresses that COVID-19 is putting on our systems”. He said the office’s fireworks safety and education materials reinforce the message to help prevent unwanted fires, wildfires, and calls to responders or visits to medical facilities.
The release said OSFM is encouraging residents to use the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
*Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
*Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
*Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
*Be aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.
In Oregon, officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
For more information on fireworks in Oregon, go to: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Fireworks.aspx