Fireworks Enforcement
Fireworks can raise many concerns for the safety and wellbeing of animals, senior citizens, military veterans, refugees, and community members at large. There has also been concern regarding injuries and fires caused by fireworks that can damage property and the environment.
FIREWORKS BAN
In 2022, the Eugene City Council voted 6-2 to ban fireworks in addition to the restrictions provided under state law within the city limits of Eugene due to the fire danger they pose and their impact on people and pets. The ban penalty is a fine not to exceed $500. The ban became effective October 29, 2022, and makes it 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.
Pursuant to section (5) of Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 480.111 regarding “exempt consumer fireworks” and other items categorized as “novelties” under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 837-012-0510 Section 15, and as defined in the American Pyrotechnics Standard (APA) 87-1 section 3.2.1 - the following list of approved exempt consumer fireworks and novelties ARE ALLOWED in the City of Eugene:
ALLOWED:
- Paper Caps (containing 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture)
- Model Rockets and model rocket motors that are used to propel recoverable models of rocket
- Booby Trap/Pull Apart (containing 0.016 grams or less of composition weight)
- Novelty Flitter Sparklers (containing 5 grams or less of composition weight)
- Party Poppers (containing 0.016 grams or less of composition weight)
- Snakes or similar smoke producing items (containing 100 grains or less of combustible substances)
- Novelty Snakes (containing 2 grams or less of composition weight)
- Snappers [pop-its] (containing 0.001 grams or less of composition weight)
- Novelty Wire Sparklers or Novelty Dipped Sticks (containing 25 grams or less of composition weight)
- Novelty Smoke Devices (containing 5 grams or less of composition weight)
Anyone with other illegal fireworks or explosive devices is encouraged to call police dispatch at the number below if they would like to coordinate surrender of those devices. Please do not transport such items without prior arrangement with the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit.
Report illegal fireworks use in progress: 541-682-5111
Be Prepared, Be Responsible, Be Safe and Be Aware.
Safety info at: www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm
- When does the fireworks ban take effect?
-
The ban takes effect on October 29, 2022, 30 days after Mayor Lucy Vinis signed Council ordinance #20674
- What does the fireworks ban cover?
-
All consumer fireworks are banned. People can’t sell, purchase or use fireworks within the city limits of Eugene. Examples include sparklers, fountains, ground spinners and smoke devices.
- What area is covered by the fireworks ban?
-
The ban applies to all areas within the Eugene city limits.
- Was there a partial ban before the full ban?
-
Yes, there was a fireworks ban for the area south of 18th Street and east of Agate Street. The ban was set to expire on December 31, 2022 before the city-wide ban was approved by City Council on September 26, 2022.
- What is the fine if fireworks are purchased, sold or used in the City of Eugene?
-
The penalty for violating the ordinance is a maximum penalty of a $500 fine.
- Can I buy fireworks outside of Eugene and use them in the City of Eugene?
-
No, the ban applies to fireworks that are used within city limits, as well as sold or purchased within city limits
- Are display fireworks allowed within Eugene city limits?
-
It is unlawful to use, light, detonate or display any display fireworks anywhere in the city at any time except July 3 through July 5, unless specifically authorized.
- What fireworks are banned in the state of Oregon?
-
The state prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers also are illegal in Oregon without a permit.
- Will fireworks amnesty days continue to be held?
-
Yes, fireworks amnesty days will likely continue. The Metro Explosives Disposal Team holds the fireworks amnesty day each year in Eugene and Springfield providing residents the opportunity to safely turn in fireworks without being cited.