Fireworks

Bend Fireworks Ban

In 2021, the Bend City Council voted to permanently prohibit the sale and use of fireworks in Bend in response to years of drought declarations and record-setting heat waves that make the community vulnerable to wildfire risk.

All fireworks sales, use and possession are banned within the Bend city limits per City Ordinance.

What the ban means:

There will not be any sales tents or in-store purchases of fireworks in Bend.
You cannot buy fireworks elsewhere and discharge them in Bend without risk of criminal or civil penalties.
Only firework displays permitted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal are allowed.

Leave it to the pros!

Each year on July 4 there is a firework display on Pilot Butte in Bend. This display is permitted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal and run by certified professionals for all to enjoy! Bend Fire & Rescue works closely with the organizers of this display leading up to the show to prepare the area surrounding the butte, and crews are ready to respond in case of spot fires.

Fireworks Reporting

Fireworks are illegal in the city of Bend. We are asking Bend community members to send fireworks complaints via email at fireworks@bendoregon.gov.

This email address is not constantly monitored and does not elicit a police response, but does help us collect information about ongoing violations throughout the city.

In general, illegal use of fireworks is not considered an emergency. However, if you see fireworks use that is creating an imminent danger to people or property, you should call 911.

We ask the Bend community to help our first responders by following the local ban on fireworks. That will allow quicker emergency response and avoid a flood of calls to Deschutes County 911 dispatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sparklers considered fireworks?

No. The ban does not include “novelty items” or “non fireworks” that are not classified as fireworks by the state of Oregon. These include smoke bombs, wire core sparklers, snakes and party poppers.

Note that wood core or “flitter” sparklers are considered fireworks and banned by the ordinance. Flitter sparkler means a narrow paper tube filled with pyrotechnic composition that produces color and sparks upon ignition. These devices do not use a fuse for ignition, but rather are ignited by lighting the paper at one end of the tube.

What if I live outside of the city limits?

Firework use outside city limits is still regulated by Oregon State Law. Oregon-legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks, can be used without a permit. Commonly-known Oregon-legal fireworks include fountains, flitter sparklers, and ground spinners. Fireworks that fly in the air, explode, or behave in an uncontrolled and unpredictable manner are not allowed in Oregon without the proper permit issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Learn more about legal use of fireworks at the Oregon State Fire Marshal webpage.

If you are in an area that permits fireworks, please remember to use them safely.

Have a water source nearby in case of an accident or defective firework.
Only use fireworks on non-combustible surfaces like gravel or pavement.
Follow age restrictions. Only adults should light and use fireworks – never children.
Soak discharged fireworks in water before disposal.

Why are some fireworks displays allowed?

What happens if someone doesn't follow the ban?

Violation of the fireworks ban within city limits is considered a "Class A" civil infraction. These violations are subject to a maximum $750 fine.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshall, violations of Oregon law regarding illegal fireworks could be charged as a misdemeanor offense with fines as much as $2,500.

Additionally, anyone whose fireworks cause property damage or injury could be subject to criminal or civil penalties.

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