Amend Additional Requirements for Sale, Use and Possession of Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Code to clarify unlawful fireworks, aerial luminary devices, and pyrotechnics (amend Code Subsection 31.40.070 A.)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: The State of Oregon is experiencing drought, extreme wildfire conditions, and recent record-high temperatures, creating an imminent risk of fires starting within the region and throughout the City. On July 4, 2020: 18 of 36 fires in Portland were caused by fireworks. From 2014 through 2019, there were 1,173 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon, resulting in more than $4.9 million in property loss and contents damage. During that same period, fires resulting from fireworks resulted one death and 37 injuries. According to Multnomah County Animal Services, the 10-day period around July 4th experiences a 25% increase in dogs and cats entering the shelter when compared with a typical 10-day period in the summer. During the 2020 fireworks season (June 23 through July 6) there were a total of 223 fires and 44 fires were caused by fireworks in the City of Portland. The City of Portland banned the sale and use of fireworks from June 30th to July 14th, 2021. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: Amend Portland City Code Subsection 31.40.070 A. as follows: A. It is unlawful to sell, keep or offer for sale, expose for sale, possess, use, explode or have exploded any fireworks, aerial luminary devices or pyrotechnics within the City, except as specified by ORS 480.120 (1)(a-g). For the purpose of this Chapter, the Fire Marshal of the City is recognized as an ex-officio Deputy State Fire Marshal as provided by State statute.