The 4th of July holiday is just days away and local officials from Black Butte Ranch, Cloverdale and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District are asking citizens to take great care when celebrating the holiday. Much of the State is experiencing drought conditions, extreme temperatures and fire danger is at an extreme level. One small spark could have devastating consequences to the area. “After a catastrophic fire season in 2020 and an earlier than usual start to fire season this year, we are asking residents to consider not celebrating with fireworks this year,” said Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Chief Roger Johnson.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office reported between years 2014-2019 there were 1,173 fireworks-related fires in Oregon, resulting in more than $4.9 million in property loss. During that same time period, there were 37 reported injuries and 1 death related to those fires.
Sisters City Manager Cory Misley said, “The City of Sisters has a strict ban on fireworks within the city limits.” In addition, Sisters District Ranger Ian Reid said, “Not only is it prohibited to use fireworks on federally managed public lands, but it is also against the law to be in possession of them.” Fireworks are also prohibited in Black Butte Ranch, and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Central Oregon District bans fireworks on all private lands under their regulated-use closure, which includes all of Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, not only in the forest, but in subdivisions outside the City including (but not limited to) Cascade Meadow Ranch, Tollgate, Crossroads, Squaw Creek Canyon Recreational Estates and Bitterbrush subdivisions. For a complete list of affected private lands, please visit www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx.
Instead of using fireworks, local officials encourage citizens to find creative, fire-safe ways to celebrate the holiday. Below is a list of ideas for celebrating the holiday safely:
- Use colorful LED lights or glow sticks to create a fun light show.
- View a public firework display on a big screen with the family.
- Travel to Redmond or Bend to view large fireworks displays, scheduled to begin at dusk. The Redmond show will be at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and requires a free fireworks parking permit if parking at the fairgrounds. Go to visitredmondoregon.com/events/4th-of-july for more information. The Bend show will take place at the top of Pilot Butte and can be viewed from any area with a clear view of the butte.