Fireworks FAQ
What type of fireworks can I use in Oregon?
Retail: Oregon consumer legal fireworks, also referred to as retail fireworks, can be used without a permit from our office. Commonly-known Oregon consumer legal fireworks include fountains, flitter sparklers, and ground spinners.
Limited: 1.4g products, known as consumer fireworks, may be used in Oregon only with a valid permit issued by our office. Common 1.4g fireworks include bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and certain aerial fireworks.
Click here for information on the permitting process.
Where can I purchase Oregon consumer legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks?
They can be purchased at an Oregon permitted retail fireworks sales location during the sale dates of June 23 to July 6.
When can I use Oregon consumer legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks?
Under Oregon law, the Office of State Fire Marshal has no regulations on when you can use retail fireworks purchased during the retail fireworks sale dates of June 23 to July 6; however, check with the local government for local regulations.
Where can I use Oregon consumer legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks?
You can use Oregon consumer legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks, where fireworks are not prohibited.
Some prohibited locations include Oregon State beaches, parks, campgrounds, and State and Federal forest lands. You may also want to check local regulations. For more information, visit their websites.
Can I bring fireworks to Oregon from another state?
No, fireworks must be purchased from an Oregon permitted retail fireworks sales location.
Can I use fireworks that fly in the air?
Fireworks that fly in the air, explode, or behave in an uncontrolled and unpredictable manner are not allowed in Oregon without the proper permit issued by our office. A limited fireworks display permit allows the use of 1.4g fireworks, such as bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and certain aerial fireworks.
Click for information on the permitting process.
Can I use sky lanterns in Oregon?
No, the law prohibits the use of sky lanterns in Oregon.
Can I use fireworks at a private event?
Retail: You can use Oregon consumer legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks, where fireworks are not prohibited.
Some prohibited locations are Oregon State beaches, parks, campgrounds, and State and Federal forest lands. You may also want to check local regulations. For more information, visit their websites.
Limited: Yes, if you completed the permitting process for a limited display permit allowing a fireworks display using 1.4g, also known as consumer fireworks. Common 1.4g fireworks include bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and certain aerial fireworks.
Click for information on the permitting process.
Can a local jurisdiction ban the sale and/or use of legal fireworks?
There could be local restrictions in place. Always check with your local city, county, and other local authorities jurisdictions before using fireworks.
Consequences
What can happen if I'm caught using fireworks in prohibited areas?
Under Oregon law, officials may seize fireworks, and you 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.
Can I be held liable for damage and costs incurred in suppressing fires caused by fireworks used by myself or my child?
Yes, those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage may be held liable and required to pay fire suppression costs or other damage.
A parent's legal responsibility when your child sets a fire (PDF)
How can I report illegal fireworks usage?
Do not call 911 unless it’s an emergency!
You can report the illegal use of fireworks by calling your local law enforcement agency's non-emergency dispatch. Under Oregon law, they are authorized to enforce fireworks laws.
Oregon Laws and Rules Related to Fireworks
Permit to Use
We offer two types of permits: retail and wholesale.
Permit to Sell Retail Fireworks
This permit has a $100 fee and requires a completed application.
It authorizes the holder to purchase Oregon retail fireworks from a licensed wholesaler, to sell retail fireworks to the general public, and to store fireworks.
- Permits can be applied for after January 1 of the year the permit is requested.
- Applications received after April 15 are not guaranteed to be issued before opening day.
- Retail sales are allowed beginning June 23 and end at 11:59 p.m. on July 6.
- Permits are valid from June 23 to July 6 of the year the permit is issued unless revoked or suspended.
- Permits are non-transferable, and cannot be leased, sub-leased, or sub-contracted to any other person.
The application requires the local fire authority's signature approving the sales location and storage if applicable. For outside sales, you must provide proof of identification for individuals listed on the application.
Permit to Sell Wholesale Fireworks
This permit has a $3,000 fee and requires a completed application.
It authorizes the purchase, transport, possession, packaging, storing, and sale of retail, display, or agricultural fireworks.
- Permits are due no earlier than October 1 and no later than December 18 (postmarked or received at OSFM).
- Permits are valid for the year issued unless revoked or suspended.
- Please email our agency for a copy of the application.
Permit to Use Fireworks
We offer four types of permits: general display, limited fireworks display, special effects display, and pest control or agriculture-related.
Permit to Use for General Fireworks Display
This permit has a $100 fee and requires a completed application.
It authorizes an outdoor display using 1.3g fireworks. These are primarily aerial shells, but may also include 1.4g fireworks or special effects fireworks.
- Operators are required to be certified.
- Must be conducted by an operator with a minimum of one assistant.
- Requires a completed General Display Fireworks Report within 10 days of the date of the display.
- Permits are valid for the date and time of display unless it is revoked or suspended.
- Applications shall be submitted at least 15 days in advance of the date of display.
Application to display general fireworks
Permit to Use for Limited Fireworks Display
This permit has a $100 fee and requires a completed application.
It authorizes an outdoor display using 1.4g fireworks. Fireworks authorized by the permit are subject to limitation by the local fire authority. These are primarily firecrackers, skyrockets, missile rockets, and mortars.
- Operators are required to be certified.
- Must be conducted by an operator with a minimum of one assistant.
- No requirement to complete a Display Fireworks Report.
- Permits are valid for the date and time of display unless it is revoked or suspended.
- Applications shall be submitted at least 15 days in advance of the date of display.
Application to display limited fireworks
Permit to Use for Special Effects Display
This permit has a $100 fee and requires a completed application.
It authorizes an indoor or outdoor display using special effects fireworks. Special effects fireworks are any effect created by using flammable, combustible, or explosive composition or substance, or any combination of such compositions or substances, or any articles including fireworks, explosives, or smoke prepared for the purpose of providing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and/or fire.
Primarily designed or discharged in connection with performances, events, gatherings, television, radio, theater, motion picture productions, or similar venues, which may or may not be presented before live audiences
- Operators are not required to be certified.
- Must be conducted by an operator with a minimum of one assistant.
- No requirement to complete a Display Fireworks Report.
- Permits are valid for the date and time of display unless it is revoked or suspended.
- Applications shall be submitted at least 15 days in advance of the date of display.
Application to display special effects fireworks
Permit to Use for Pest Control or Agriculture Related
This permit requires a completed application. There is no fee.
An Oregon permit and a federal license are required for use to scare away birds or animals that cause harm or destruction to the following types of properties:
- Farms
- Forests
- Waste and recycling facilities
- Airports
- Golf courses
- Properties used for the production of commercially valuable fish or seafood
- Estuaries
- Properties located outside of an incorporated city
The Oregon permit is valid until the expiration date unless it is revoked or suspended for a violation.
Application for Agriculture/Pest Control Fireworks Permit
The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) regulates individuals purchasing and storing agricultural fireworks. Contact BATFE at 503-331-7830 or their
website.
Certification to Operate Fireworks
General Display Operator Certification
Requires a completed application, passing an online exam, required duties, and training. There is no fee. The certification is valid for three years from the date issued unless it is revoked or suspended.
An applicant must:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Have participated as an assistant in three or more general displays in Oregon within three years of the date of application:
- Participation means completing any of the following: firing of the display, installation of mortars, installing set pieces, loading shells, after-display clean-up, and inspection, installing an electrical firing system, and tending the magazine, which may include reloading the mortars.
- At a minimum, an applicant must have on all three displays in Oregon:
- installed mortars
- loaded shells
- after-display clean-up and inspection
- If this is your original certification, one of the three displays must also have the duty of manual firing.
- Complete an examination application and return by fax, mail, or email.
- We will send you an email with access to an online system, iLearn, to take the examination.
- Study materials Oregon Revised Statutes 480.110 through 480.165, Oregon Administrative Rules 837-012-0700 through 837-012-0970
- Complete the exam with an 80% passing grade.
- If you do not pass, submit another application requesting to take the exam again.
- You also must attend and complete one training course administered by a certified instructor at one of the licensed general wholesalers.
Application: Display Operator Certification
Limited Display Operator Certification
Requires a completed application. There is no fee for this certification. Applicants are certified to only operate limited display fireworks.
An applicant must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Must complete and sign the application certifying knowledge, understanding, and agreement to will follow all requirements in ORS 480.110 through 480.165 and OAR Chapter 837, Division 12.
Application for a Limited Display Operator Certification
Special Effects Operator
There is no certification required.
List of Retail Sales Permits and Licensed Wholesalers