Results from July 4
This year was much slower than previous years. Eugene Police’s fireworks confiscation was lower this year compared to previous years. However, of note, the EPD Amnesty Day, held on June 30, netted higher results than years in the past.
Calls For Service – 40
Self-initiated Calls – 6
Fireworks Confiscated – Approximately 20 pounds
The Metro Explosives Disposal Team, on duty for the night, responded to many of these calls. Even though there were fewer illegal fireworks calls, Central Lane 911 calltakers were still busy with more than 200 calls for service between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. 2000-0200.
Years – Calls regarding illegal fireworks
July 4, 2019 – 40 calls for service
July 4, 2018 – 114 calls for service
July 4 2017 - 77 Calls for Service
July 4, 2016 - 82 calls for service
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:
Fireworks are a traditional way to celebrate some holidays, but they can be noisy and an extreme fire hazard. Please be mindful of people in your neighborhood who may be sensitive to loud noises, due to PTSD or other conditions. Especially combat veterans, who deserve our every comfort after their service, can be impacted by the sounds and sights of illegal fireworks. Also many pets are lost each year due to reactions to fireworks.
AMNESTY DAY: If you have illegal fireworks at your home, there is an opportunity for you to get rid of them without getting cited. Illegal Fireworks Amnesty Turn-in Day will be on Sunday, June 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 2nd and Chambers Parking lot. The event is only open to private individuals, not commercial parties. Do NOT take fireworks to a police or fire station.
Fireworks go on sale June 23 and can be sold through July 6. Consumer fireworks discharges within the Eugene city limits are restricted to July 3 and 4, and December 31 and January 1. Public (commercial displays are allowed July 3-5). Eugene Police will be staffing additional officers for the July 4 holiday, including officers detached for patrolling areas with high density of fireworks-related complaint calls and or visible displays of fireworks. Fire crews will patrol neighborhoods in their response areas on July 4, to note and report illegal fireworks activity.
To report illegal fireworks within the Eugene city limits, call 541.682.5111. The base fine for illegal fireworks is $250. The social host ordinance also applies to fireworks. The social host, or ordinance on unruly gatherings, holds individuals criminally responsible for hosting, organizing and allowing an unruly event or social gathering. Property owners where the event is hosted will also be penalized if there are multiple violations of this ordinance at the same property. The Eugene Municipal Court has assigned a base fine of $375 for criminal violations of this ordinance. Both hosts and property owners could be civilly liable for police, fire and public works response to repeated illegal gatherings that fall under this ordinance. For more information: SOCIAL HOST
BACKGROUND FIREWORKS INFO
People often ask questions about sparklers. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website information states that wood core sparklers are considered legal retail fireworks and as such, would be subject to the new code. The 10-inch wire core sparklers are considered an unclassified item and not a firework and can be sold and used throughout the year.
More info at Oregon State Fire Marshal’s website at http://www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm
What are Legal Fireworks?
Legal fireworks in Oregon can be sold from June 23 through July 6 of each year. These include fountains, spinners and wheels available at retail fireworks outlets. Additionally, legal fireworks produce only smoke, sparks or fire but DO NOT explode, eject balls of fire, fly into the air more than 12 inches or travel more than six feet on the ground. When both legal and illegal fireworks are improperly handled, injuries and fire damage occur.
Illegal fireworks include but are not limited to, fire crackers, bottle rockets and roman candles, fly into the air, explode and behave in an uncontrolled and unpredictable manner. Illegal fireworks are extremely dangerous and create extreme fire danger. Possession of illegal fireworks is a class B misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $2,500 and six months in jail.
Cherry bombs, M-80’s and larger and any legal or illegal firework that has been modified are considered an EXPLOSIVE DEVICE and should not be handled. Call the Eugene Police Department immediately and do not transport.
Reporting Illegal Fireworks
Report illegal fireworks use in progress: 541-682-5111
Safety info at: www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm