With the approach of the 4th of July holiday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking everyone to use extra caution while celebrating this year. The extreme heat and high temperatures in the area have prompted a burn ban throughout Marion County.
Although firework sales in Oregon are underway, the MCSO is encouraging everyone to be mindful of the increased fire danger when deciding how to celebrate responsibly.
Illegal fireworks have become increasingly common in Marion County, the MCSO reports. These include anything that flies into the air, explodes, or behaves in an uncontrollable or unpredictable manner. Examples include bottle rockets, mortars, Roman candles, aerial shells, missiles, and firecrackers.
Using illegal fireworks is not only dangerous, it can come with a heavy penalty. Under Oregon law, officials may seize fireworks and those utilizing them may be charged with a class B misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per violation and a civil penalty of up to $500.
To report the use of illegal fireworks, those living outside the city limits are asked to call the MCSO non-emergency line at 503-588-5032. Do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency.
For information about fireworks laws in Oregon visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/Pages/Fireworks.aspx
MCSO will have increased patrols on the roadways throughout the holiday weekend. It is reminding everyone that the closures throughout the Santiam Canyon region remain in effect due to wildfire recovery efforts. These include North Fork Park, Salmon Falls Park, and Bear Creek Park and Campground. The corridor also will be closed to bicyclists and non-resident pedestrians.
All fire agencies within Marion County have a High-Fire Danger Burn Ban in place based on a recommendation by the Marion County Fire Defense Board. The ban prohibits backyard or open burning, agricultural burning and any other land clearing, slash, stump, waste, debris or controlled burning.
The burn ban does not prohibit: Small scale outdoor cooking.
Outdoor fires in violation of this burn ban may be immediately extinguished. If a fire agency responds to a fire that has been started in willful violation of the burn ban, the person responsible may be liable for all costs incurred, as well as legal fees.
