City Council OKs Ban on Sale, Use of Fireworks in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland City Council has voted to ban the sale and use of fireworks in the city.

The unanimous vote Wednesday comes after a temporary ban in 2021 around the Fourth of July, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

Officials cited rising temperatures, drought and increased fire risk, all because of climate change, in voting for the year-round ban.

High risk to lives, animals, and property

Fireworks caused 44 fires in the city in 2020 between June 23 and July 6.

Portland had 15 fires caused by fireworks during a similar time period in 2021 when the devices were temporarily banned. One of the Fourth of July fires, at the Heidi Manor apartments, ignited after someone threw fireworks in a dumpster. Three people died.

“I take the danger caused by fireworks to our community as well as our brave firefighters at (Portland Fire & Rescue) very seriously,” Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty tweeted.

“We must adapt during a climate emergency.”

Fireworks also take a toll on pets and their owners, officials said.