Fireworks Safety
The use of anything that explodes, flies in the air, behaves in an uncontrolled or unpredictable manner, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally is illegal in the State of Oregon and prohibited in the City limits of Medford. The use of Oregon legal consumer fireworks is allowed within the City limits of Medford under the following conditions:
The use of retail fireworks within the City of Medford is PROHIBITED during any declared fire season except July 1 through July 6. During that period, the use of all types of fireworks is PROHIBITED within the following areas:
- Hazardous Wildfire Areas
- Bear Creek Greenway
- Any City Park
- Any Public School
Retail sales, manufacturing, and storage of fireworks are prohibited within the City limits of Medford.
Fireworks Safety Information
Fireworks can be entertaining but can also be dangerous. On average each year in the United States, fireworks cause 18,500 fires, 12,500 injuries requiring hospital visits, and 7 deaths. Medford Fire urges you to use extreme caution when considering the use of fireworks.Never allow young children to play with fireworks
- Sparklers account for 43% of injuries to children less than 5 years of age.
Always provide close adult supervision of older children
- Four out of every ten (40%) people injured are children under the age of 15.
Only ignite fireworks in clear areas away from combustible vegetation and structures
- Fire can quickly spread through flammable or combustible materials.
Never have any portion of your body over a firework when lighting
- Wear protective eyewear and avoid wearing loose clothing.
Always keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
- Can be used to quickly extinguish a fire before it spreads.
- Spent fireworks should be soaked in a bucket of water before disposing.
Never attempt to reignite a malfunctioning firework
- Soak the firework and dispose.
Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container
- Fireworks can explode the container and spread deadly shrapnel.
Never experiment with homemade fireworks
- They are unpredictable and dangerous.
Always observe local laws
- Only Oregon legal consumer fireworks are allowed to be used within the Medford city limits. All fireworks are prohibited within the following areas:
- Hazardous Wildfire Areas
- The Bear Creek Greenway
- City parks
- Public Schools and school grounds
What is an Oregon legal consumer firework?
A class 1.4G firework that does not explode, does not fly into the air, does not behave in an uncontrolled or unpredictable manner, and does not travel from it’s ignition point more than 12 feet horizontally is legal. These include such fireworks as base fountains, ground blooms, cone fountains, etc. See the handout link below.
What is illegal in Oregon?
Illegal fireworks include such items as mortars, bottle rockets, aerial spinners, sky rockets, missile rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, etc. Cherry bombs, silver salutes (M-100’s), ash cans (M-80’s), etc. are Oregon illegal explosive devices. Anyone violating Oregon fireworks statutes could face confiscation of the devices and a civil penalty of $2,500. See the handout link below.Consider attending a professional public display event instead
- These events are safe and impressive
Remember your pets during the 4th of July events
- Never take your pet to a firework display
- Never leave your pet in the car
- Move your pets indoors to a sheltered area. Turn on a radio to a normal volume
- Never leave your pet unattended outdoors, even in a fenced yard
- Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag
- If you know your pet is distressed by load noises, consult your veterinarian
Additional Information
Medford Fireworks Laws and Safety Information Handout
Hazardous Wildfire Area Map
Medford Rural Fire District Fireworks Stand/Sales Safety Checklist
Humane Society - Pet Safety
Oregon State Fire Marshal's Fireworks Program
Additional Department Information