The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Fireworks may be a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, but they have no place across almost all of the Sisters Country.

Fireworks are banned on public and state managed forest lands and in the rural subdivisions that surround Sisters.

The use of Oregon-legal fireworks is allowed inside the city limits of Sisters, but Fire Marshal Dave Wheeler offers strong cautions to those who choose to use them:

Have an adult present and never give fireworks to small children. Always have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby. Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in a trash can.

Never experiment or make your own fireworks. Light only one firework at a time. Never re-light a "dud" firework; wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Children should always tell an adult if they find fireworks rather than picking up smoking or charred fireworks themselves. Never throw or point fireworks at other people or shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

Use fireworks only in areas far away from anything that will burn, including dry grass and brush, vehicles and buildings. Consider attending a professional fireworks show as a safe alternative. Call 911 immediately to report any fire or injury.

"Although fireworks have become a popular source of entertainment in Fourth of July celebrations, they have also become a key source of fires and injuries when used improperly," Wheeler stated. "The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District encourages everyone to take an active role in reducing fireworks-related fires and injuries in Oregon."