Portland bans fireworks

(MARCH 11, 2022) July 4 is Independence Day in the U.S. People celebrate with fireworks. But last week Portland banned fireworks in the city.

The city council is a group of city leaders. They were unanimous. That means all four city councilors agreed.

Why? Fireworks are dangerous. They cause fires. Dry summers increase the risk of big problems. Here is an example: In 2017, one firework burned over 48,000 acres of forest in the Columbia River Gorge.

On July 4, 2020, fireworks caused 18 fires in Portland. A short ban in 2021 helped. Calls to the fire department dropped 66%.

“There is no question that this ban will save lives,” said Jo Ann Hardesty. She is a city councilor.

Fines for using fireworks are $500. Fines for selling fireworks are $2,500.