With the 4th of July holiday approaching, forestry and fire managers are reminding people not to use fireworks of any kind on public lands. For fire prevention and safety reasons, all types of fireworks are prohibited on state and private forestlands, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, U.S. Forest Service lands and in State Parks.
“With firework sales in full swing; we are asking that people take a moment to not only check the local fire restrictions in place, but take a look around to guarantee that where you are using fireworks is safe for you, your family, and your community,” said ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Dave Larson.
To better prepare yourself for a safe holiday weekend, here are some helpful tips:
• Only use legal fireworks and use them in legal places.
• Be consciences about city laws. If fireworks are illegal in your area, do not use them.
• Be prepared and always have water nearby, like a bucket or garden hose.
• Only use fireworks as they were intended. Combining fireworks or changing their components may cause a safety threat.
• Never attempt to relight a “dud” firework. Instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Be smart; make sure you are a safe distance away from the firework once it has been lit.
• Lastly, after all the fireworks have been lit, wait 20 minutes and then soak all remains in a bucket of water before disposing.
Fireworks can cause costly and dangerous wildfires, especially when conditions are hot and dry and vegetation is receptive to sparks. Fires caused by fireworks on public lands may result in the user being cited and billed for the cost of fire suppression. Parents are also responsible for fires caused by their children.
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