The City of Lincoln City encourages everyone to keep it legal and keep it safe with friends and family while observing this Independence Day.

“Lincoln City is the best place on the coast to come for 4th of July holiday fireworks,” City Manager Ron Chandler said. “With fireworks over Devils Lake on July 3 and more fireworks over Siletz Bay on July 4, you’ll get double the shows of anywhere else. Enjoy what we offer, be legal and be safe.”

Lincoln City offers two professional firework displays to enjoy. On July 3 Devils Lake will be home to a pre-Independence Day display and boat parade. Siletz Bay on July 4 has a family-friendly atmosphere all day with live music and beach time fun followed by a display at dusk.

In Oregon, some, but not all consumer fireworks are legal. Legal fireworks include cone fountains, cylindrical fountains, sparklers, ground spinners, illuminating torches, and other similar items. Additional legal novelty items include those that make smoke, ash or a small noise, such as smoke bombs, party poppers, snakes, etc.

Oregon law prohibits possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, without a permit issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshall. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon, without a permit.

Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders 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. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.

The Oregon State Fire Marshall encourages everyone to use the four B’s of safe fireworks use:

• Be Prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
• Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.
• Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
• Be Aware: use only legal fireworks and use them only in legal places.

For more information about fireworks in Lincoln City, visit LincolnCity.org/Fireworks or call 541-996-2151.