With last year’s fire season, still very fresh in the minds of your local firefighters. And the recent grass and wildland fire activity that have occurred in Yamhill and Polk Counties. To include the second fire conflagration declared by Governor Brown (06-08-2016) this year. I’d like to take a few minutes of your time to personally ask each and every one of you out there. To please exercise extreme fire safety this summer with your Bar-B-Qs, Warming - Campfires Fires. And fireworks as the 4th of July approaches.

The 4th of July holiday is always a busy time of year. It is a day of parades, fun in the park, barbecues and of course fireworks. The Sheridan Fire District would like to remind you to keep the day safe and don’t get burned with fireworks. Fireworks go on sale in Oregon on June 23 this year.

At the start of this Oregon fireworks sales season, it’s a good time for a reminder on the safety basics of fireworks use. Last year, there were 117 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon, resulting in more than $1.6 million in property damage. In the past five years there were over 1,000 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon, tragically resulting in one death, 62 serious injuries, and nearly $5 million in property damage. Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year for fire and police departments.

Buying fireworks from a permitted facility helps ensure you are buying legal and compliant fireworks for use throughout Oregon. Fireworks purchased in one state may not be legal in another state. Fireworks illegal in the State of Oregon are any type that fly, explode, eject balls of fire or move across the ground more than 6 feet or into the air more than 12 inches. This includes aerial or “sky lanterns” which have recently become popular

BE PREPARED: Only use fireworks that are LEGAL FOR USE IN OREGON. Always read the directions of the firework you are about to use. Set up a bucket of water or have a hose ready to douse any misfired fireworks or fires. Soak used fireworks in water prior to disposing of them

BE SAFE: Only use fireworks outdoors, on a non­combustible surface keeping away from cars, buildings, and combustible vegetation. Never alter fireworks or make your own. Never pick up or try to re­light a “dud”.

BE RESPONSIBLE: Store fireworks, lighters and matches out of reach of children. Supervise the area where fireworks are being used and make sure everyone is kept a safe distance away from the fireworks. Alcohol use can contribute to an even greater risk of injury or fire when combined with fireworks use, please be responsible.

BE AWARE: Use only legal fireworks. Use fireworks only in legal places. Fireworks are prohibited on all beaches, State Parks, & State or Federal Forest lands.

Until Next Month, Be Safe Out There,

Bill Alguire, Fire Chief