SALEM — Oregon State Parks welcomes Fourth of July celebrations, but fireworks and explosives are strictly prohibited within Oregon State Parks and the entire ocean shore.
Park staff encourage visitors to celebrate responsibly this Fourth of July and leave fireworks at home when visiting Oregon State Parks and Oregon beaches. These items pose a significant danger to visitors, wildlife, structures and the natural landscape particularly in crowded areas where high winds and flammable vegetation increase the inherent risks of fireworks. Parks are often in remote locations that are challenging to evacuate and might take emergency responders time to reach.
The wildfire season has already begun in Oregon, and three state parks have been closed or evacuated due to wildfires nearby in the last few weeks. Fireworks and explosives would increase the risk of additional fires.
Fireworks also impact sensitive habitat like federally protected Western snowy plover nesting grounds and other coastal birds and marine wildlife.
“The lights and noise from fireworks can cause birds and other wildlife to startle and flee in panic. On the coast this can result in the abandonment of nests, leaving eggs or young vulnerable to predators like crows, ravens or gulls,” said Dawn Harris, visitor services manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Belted kingfisher
Charles Wheeler photo
“Litter from firecrackers, bottle rockets and other explosives spread debris on beaches, which can be choking hazards for wildlife and may be toxic if ingested.”
After last year’s Fourth of July celebrations, volunteers collected nearly 1,000 pounds of trash from the beaches around Lincoln City alone. Fireworks debris was the third most collected item. Another 640 pounds of trash was collected in barrels.
“That debris directly impacts the ecological resilience of our beaches, oceans and wildlife,” said Laurel Hillman, ocean shore resource coordinator at Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
“We ask that visitors respect the restrictions on fireworks and explosives to protect Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore.”
While education remains the primary focus for rule enforcement at Oregon State Parks, enforcement rangers do have the authority to issue Class A violations, which carry a presumptive fine of up to $400, for significant or repeated violations of park rules. Staff at Oregon State Parks ask that visitors enjoy the holiday responsibly and leave fireworks and explosives at home.
For events at Oregon State Parks including several Fourth of July celebrations, find the event calendar at stateparks.oregon.gov. We also encourage visitors to know before they go when it comes to campfire restrictions and any closures during this wildfire season.
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