For Immediate Release               

Date:  June 13, 2019

From: Anne Aurand
Communications Director
541-388-5573, aaurand@bendoregon.gov

Media Contacts:

Dave Howe

Bend Fire Department Battalion Chief

541-350-4775, dhowe@bendoregon.gov 

Clint Burleigh

Bend Police Lieutenant

541-322-2978, cburleigh@bendoregon.gov 

The City is planning to pair Police officers and Fire inspectors for an Illegal Fireworks Task Force to respond exclusively to illegal fireworks calls in late June and early July. The task force will patrol areas where data have shown a higher use of illegal fireworks.

“If you’ve had a lot of fireworks in your neighborhood in the past, you can expect to see some patrols this year,” said Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Howe.

The task force, being scheduled for the nights of June 27 and 28 and July 3, 5 and 6, will focus on problematic areas identified by data, but will also respond to calls as able.

2019-20 City Council Goals prioritized increasing illegal firework enforcement activities as part of a comprehensive wildfire resilience plan.

Fireworks that explode, fly more than 12 inches in the air or move laterally more than six feet are illegal to possess and use in Oregon. More fireworks information, including details about what are illegal fireworks, can be found here.

Those who witness the use of illegal fireworks can call non-emergency dispatch at 541-693-6911. Please do not call 911 to report fireworks unless there is a confirmed fire or injury.

Calls to non-emergency dispatch will not always result in emergency response from fire or law enforcement.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities   To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact Anne Aurand at 541-388-5573 or aaurand@bendoregon.gov.