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Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) has declared an immediate ban on the usage of all legal and illegal fireworks in the Portland area—including those used in July 4 celebrations citywide—due to dangerously dry conditions.

Fire Chief Sara Boone, along with command staff and PF&R bureau commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, say they made the call after examining the extremely hot, dry conditions brought about by the recent heatwave, noting that the use of fireworks makes our current situation even more dangerous. According to the O, 44 firework-related fires were started last summer.

“If we don’t take this proactive step now, I fear the consequences could be devastating,” Chief Boone wrote in a PF&R press release. “It is not easy to make a decision like this so close to our national holiday, but as Fire Chief I feel I have a higher responsibility to sometimes make unpopular decisions during unprecedented times to protect life, property and the environment.”

Boone also added that while fire inspectors will not be patrolling and seeking out people using fireworks, they will be actively "investigating any fire that have a connection to fireworks," and that anyone whose firework usage causes extensive damage or injury will be held responsible and subject to "heavy fines and/or jail time."

PF&R also urged Portlanders to abstain from calling 9-1-1 to report fireworks users, as that line should be kept clear to report fires and medical emergencies.

At this point it's unclear how long the ban will remain in effect. Portland now joins other cities in the Pacific Northwest—including Bend; Cannon Beach; Vancouver, Washington; and more—in establishing the banning of fireworks for the immediate future. Firework sales will be allowed to continue.

Stay tuned for further updates and clarifications.