The Grants Pass Department of Public Safety wants everyone to have a fun and SAFE Fourth of July. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. This years celebration will be held at Reinhart Park 7-10pm. This will be an exciting night of music, fireworks, and fun for all. Bring your family out to celebrate with us!
If you choose to use fireworks, please exercise extreme caution. Conditions are ripe for disaster should a stray spark land in any dry grass or other vegetation. People are reminded they can be held personally liable for any fires started by the use of fireworks.
While fireworks are being sold in Josephine County, please remember the use of all fireworks is banned within the City limits of Grants Pass except on the 4th of July, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Please see the guidelines and regulations below WHICH APPLY TO USE OF FIREWORKS WITHIN THE CITY OF GRANTS PASS:
WHAT FIREWORKS ARE LEGAL? Make sure your fireworks are legal in the state of Oregon. “Oregon Legal Consumer Fireworks”:
• Do not explode
• Do not fly into the air
• Do not travel more than 6 feet horizontally
• Do not travel more than 12 inches vertically
Mortars, Bottle Rockets, Roman Candles, Sky Lanterns, and Firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon. So-called Sky Lanterns or Chinese Lanterns are extremely dangerous in that they can be carried away by the wind and can land anywhere.
WHEN CAN I SET OFF FIREWORKS?
Within the City limits of Grants Pass, fireworks can only be used on the 4th of July between 6 PM and 11 PM. See exception below for areas where the use of fireworks is not allowed at any time.
WHERE IS THE USE OF FIREWORKS ILLEGAL?
Note: Properties recently annexed may fall within the “No Fireworks Allowed” areas. Please check the City of Grants Pass Web site for current information as well as maps of these areas.
- Within the wildfire hazard areas posted “NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED”
- Areas west of Highland Ave
- Areas west of Dimmick St, north of the railroad tracks
- Areas north of Interstate 5
- Panoramic Loop area
- Overland Drive area
- Haviland Drive area between Cloverlawn and Linden
- Within any City park
- Within any Public School property
- Areas where there is the potential to ignite combustible materials and vegetation
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS CAN BE EXPENSIVE
Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation. Any misuse of fireworks or use of fireworks causing damage carries liability for the offender, who may be required to pay fines and/or fire suppression costs. Offenders may also be arrested. Parents are liable for fireworks-caused damage from their children.
BE PREPARED BEFORE LIGHTING FIREWORKS!
- Use only fireworks legal in Oregon, purchased from licensed outlets.
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Place Pets indoors; they are easily frightened by fireworks.
- Always have water handy – a garden hose or a bucket of water.
- Light fireworks outdoors on a flat, clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass, and combustible materials.
BE SAFE WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS
- Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal “safe” firework for the young, burn at 1800 to 3000 degrees F and can easily ignite clothing. Children do not understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of an emergency.
- Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Place duds in a bucket of water and throw them away.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never ignite fireworks inside a container such as a bottle or a can.
- Keep unused fireworks away from the area where you are lighting them.
- Never have any portion of your body over a firework when lighting.
FIREWORKS RELATED INJURIES – FACTS (NFPA)
In 2007-2011, data from death certificates show that five people per year were killed directly by fireworks.
The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-14 compared to all other ages. Sparklers accounted for the majority of injuries.