Fireworks are risky in Sisters

Fireworks are a risky form of entertainment in forested areas like Sisters. Firefighters and federal officials urge visitors and residents to learn what fireworks are legal in Oregon and what restrictions are in effect where they plan to use them.

“Fireworks fires are preventable fires,” said Jinny Pitman, fire prevention specialist with the Sisters Ranger District. “Fire agencies are not trying to stop people from having fun, but we are trying to prevent injuries and property damage.”

All fireworks are banned yearlong on national forests in Oregon and Washington including the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests in Central Oregon, according to Rolland Giller, public information specialist in the Central Oregon Office of Communications for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

“Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device except emergency highway fuses and flares is illegal on national forests,” Giller said. “They are also illegal on Bureau of Land Management lands. The offense is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. “

An example of what fireworks can do to a tinder-dry forest occurred on July 5, 2003 at Hand Lake two miles southwest of Suttle Lake. Fireworks being fired across Hand Lake are the likely cause of the Link Fire that burned 3,590 acres and threatened Black Butte Ranch, according to Pitman.

A complete year-long ban on all fireworks also is in effect in the Black Butte Rural Fire Protection District. This ban has been effective, according to a spokesman for the district. “Our last fireworks incident was on New Year’s Eve 2000,” the spokesman said.

Other local fire districts and the Oregon Department of Forestry apply the statewide fireworks regulations established by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. Fireworks that may be legally used in Oregon without a permit include sparklers, smoke and punk, fountains, novelties, crackle and strobe, and wheels and spinners.

“We have had only two fireworks-caused fires in the past three years and they were small fires,” said David Wheeler, fire marshal for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.

The State Fire Marshal’s regulations on fireworks also are followed within the Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District. As a result, they have not experienced any fireworks-caused fires in the past three years.

The City of Sisters also follows the State Fire Marshal’s regulations on fireworks. “In addition, we also have a complete ban on the sale of fireworks within the city, “explained City Manager Eileen Stein.

Use of fireworks causes Central Oregon fire agencies a major concern, starting wildfires for which the responsible persons may be liable for firefighting costs and property damage. During 2004, Oregon had 379 fireworks-related fires that caused a reported $416,694 loss, according to the Fire Marshal’s Office. However, this was an 18 percent decrease in number of fires and a 35 percent decrease in dollar loss. Close to 90 percent of the 2004 fireworks-related fires occurred between June 1 and July 31. Some 28 percent of the 2003 fires involved children who were 17 years of age or younger.

Nationally, in 2003 some 9,300 persons injured in fireworks-related cases were treated in hospital emergency rooms, according to the National Fire Protection Administration. The year before, some 3,000 structure and vehicle fires were caused by fireworks causing $29 million in damages.

“An individual possessing illegal fireworks risks fines up to $500 for violations including possession and endangering life and property,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr. She suggests that public fireworks displays operated under permit and with trained personnel are the best way to enjoy aerial fireworks. The Bulletin annually sponsors a fireworks show from Pilot Butte in Bend.

Fireworks legally purchased in another state may not be legal in Oregon, Orr explained.

Orr suggests that only Oregon legal fireworks be used and directions closely followed. Always have an adult supervising their use and light them only outdoors away from anything that can burn.