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Fireworks

We issue:
Permits to sell for retail and wholesale. 
Permits to use for general, limited, special effects, and pest control or agriculture-related.
Certifications to operators to conduct a display.

The OSFM created a social media kit to download and share fireworks safety messaging. 

Click here for suggested social media posts​. Click the links below to download the image. 

English:

Beaches and State Parks
Check Local Restrictions
Common Injuries
Dispose of Fireworks
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe
Only Use Legal Fireworks
Soak Fireworks in Water

Spanish:
Beaches and State Parks
Check Local Restrictions
Common Injuries
Dispose of Fireworks
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe
Only Use Legal Fireworks
Soak Fireworks in Water

Russian:

Beaches and State Parks
Check Local Restrictions
Common Injuries
Dispose of Fireworks
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe
Only Use Legal Fireworks
Soak Fireworks in Water

Simplified Chinese (Mandarin):
Beaches and State Parks
Check Local Restrictions
Common Injuries
Dispose of Fireworks
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe
Only Use Legal Fireworks
Soak Fireworks in Water

Traditional Chinese (Cantonese):
Beaches and State Parks
Check Local Restrictions
Common Injuries
Dispose of Fireworks
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe
Only Use Legal Fireworks
Soak Fireworks in Water​

Vietnamese:

Beaches and State Parks
Check Local Restrictions
Common Injuries
Dispose of Fireworks
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe
Only Use Legal Fireworks
Soak Fireworks in Water​​

Additional resources available to download and print:

Fireworks roles - English: Page 1 | Page 2

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. Click here for approved locations.​

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.

Conseq​uences

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. Click here for more information. ​
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 fireworks laws and rules​

Oregon Revised Statutes for Fireworks (480.110 through ​480.165​)

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 837, Division 12

  • Pest Control (Agricultural) Fireworks: 837-012-0305 to 837-012-0370
  • Wholesale Fireworks: 837-012-0500 to 837-012-0570
  • Retail Fireworks: 837-012-0600 to 837-012-0675
  • Display Fireworks: 837-012-0700 to 837-012-0970

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-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 W​holesale 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.


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 displaying using 1.4g firework. 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.


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 prepare 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. 

Applicatio​n 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​.​

General Display Operator Certification
Requires a completed application, passing an online exam, required duties, and training. There is no fee. The certification is valid 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:
    1. installed mortars
    2. loaded shells
    3. 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 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.

 
​Contact

Regulatory Services Branch
Ph: 503-934-8274
Fax: 503-373-1825
sfm.lp@osp.oregon.gov