At its meeting on Monday, September 26, the Eugene City Council voted 6-2 to ban the sale and use of personal fireworks within Eugene city limits. This vote expands a previous ban on fireworks – within the city limits in the areas south of 18th Ave. or east of Agate St. – that was set to expire at the end of this year.
The new ordinance states that it is unlawful to:
- Sell, use, light, detonate or display any consumer fireworks anywhere in the city at any time.
- Use, light, detonate or display any display fireworks anywhere in the city at any time except July 3 through July 5, unless specifically authorized by the city manager or designee.
This ordinance means that stands selling fireworks will not be permitted in Eugene, and the use of any type of personal fireworks throughout Eugene is banned, regardless of where they were purchased. "Display fireworks" are those used in commercial shows, such as at the Eugene Emeralds game or the Eugene Pro Rodeo, and may still be set off from July 3-5 in commercial shows with City Manager approval.
Since 2012, fireworks have been reported to have caused 11 fires in the previously banned area, and more than 40 fires caused by fireworks have occurred within City limits. Five of those fires took place in 2021. Attachment C and Attachment D provide additional data.
This news item will be updated with a link to the new ordinance when the document is finalized.