Portland, OR Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

ORS 480.111 limits consumer fireworks in Oregon to those that do not fly into the air, explode, behave erratically, or travel more than 6 feet on the ground or 12 inches into the air. That excludes essentially all classic 'aerial' fireworks — bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, firecrackers, and skyrockets are illegal statewide regardless of where they were purchased (a fact that surprises many residents who cross into Washington or Idaho to buy them). Legal items include ground spinners, fountains, smoke devices, sparklers, and snakes, sold only by licensed Oregon retailers between June 23 and July 6 and December 27 and January 1 under ORS 480.127. Portland City Code Chapter 31.16 (adopted Oregon Fire Code with local amendments) gives Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) authority to enforce the state ban inside city limits and to issue temporary prohibitions during declared fire-danger periods — typically every July and during Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Use of illegal fireworks is a Class B misdemeanor under ORS 480.992, with fines up to $2,500 and possible jail time; the user is also civilly liable for any fire-suppression costs (ORS 480.135). Reports go to the Oregon State Fire Marshal's online complaint form or the PF&R non-emergency line; ongoing or active fires are 911 calls. Public displays require a State Fire Marshal pyrotechnic operator license and a PF&R permit under PCC 31.16.