As the 4th of July approaches, local emergency officials are asking Harney County residents to exercise caution—and a bit of restraint when dialing 911
By Mindy McKerrall on Monday, June 29th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY-A joint public service announcement issued by Harney County Dispatch, the Burns Fire Department, and the Hines Fire Department reminds the community that while airborne fireworks are illegal under Oregon law, non-emergency complaints can overwhelm critical dispatch lines during the holiday.
Keep Emergency Lines Clear
Officials stress that dispatchers face a massive influx of calls every Independence Day, many of which are reports of neighbor nuisance fireworks. To ensure that true emergencies receive immediate attention, authorities are asking residents not to contact dispatch regarding fireworks unless there is:
- An active fire
- A serious injury
- An immediate threat to life or property
“Our dispatchers need to be available for life-threatening emergencies,” the joint announcement emphasizes. “Hearing loud booms or seeing flashes in your neighborhood, while frustrating or illegal, should not prompt a 911 call unless it poses an immediate, dangerous threat.”
Understanding Oregon Firework Laws
Local fire departments want to remind the public of what is and isn’t permitted:
- Legal: Sparklers, fountains, cones, and smoke devices that stay on the ground and do not travel more than 12 feet into the air or 6 feet horizontally.
- Illegal: Any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or behaves unpredictably. This includes bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, and mortars.
Fireworks Safety Tips
If you plan to use legal fireworks to celebrate the holiday, the Burns and Hines Fire Departments recommend these essential safety practices:
- Water at the Ready: Always keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby.
- Responsible Adults Only: Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers, which can reach temperatures hot enough to melt metal.
- Proper Disposal: Submerge used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them in the trash.
- Be Mindful of Conditions: Harney County’s dry summer climate means grass fires can spark easily. Avoid using fireworks near dry vegetation, brush, or structures.
Local emergency personnel wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July, and thank the community in advance for helping keep emergency lines open for those who truly need them.As the 4th of July approaches, local emergency officials are asking Harney County residents to exercise caution—and a bit of restraint when dialing 911.
A joint public service announcement issued by Harney County Dispatch, the Burns Fire Department, and the Hines Fire Department reminds the community that while airborne fireworks are illegal under Oregon law, non-emergency complaints can overwhelm critical dispatch lines during the holiday.
Keep Emergency Lines Clear
Officials stress that dispatchers face a massive influx of calls every Independence Day, many of which are reports of neighbor nuisance fireworks. To ensure that true emergencies receive immediate attention, authorities are asking residents not to contact dispatch regarding fireworks unless there is:
- An active fire
- A serious injury
- An immediate threat to life or property
“Our dispatchers need to be available for life-threatening emergencies,” the joint announcement emphasizes. “Hearing loud booms or seeing flashes in your neighborhood, while frustrating or illegal, should not prompt a 911 call unless it poses an immediate, dangerous threat.”
Understanding Oregon Firework Laws
Local fire departments want to remind the public of what is and isn’t permitted:
- Legal: Sparklers, fountains, cones, and smoke devices that stay on the ground and do not travel more than 12 feet into the air or 6 feet horizontally.
- Illegal: Any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or behaves unpredictably. This includes bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, and mortars.
Fireworks Safety Tips
If you plan to use legal fireworks to celebrate the holiday, the Burns and Hines Fire Departments recommend these essential safety practices:
- Water at the Ready: Always keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby.
- Responsible Adults Only: Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers, which can reach temperatures hot enough to melt metal.
- Proper Disposal: Submerge used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them in the trash.
- Be Mindful of Conditions: Harney County’s dry summer climate means grass fires can spark easily. Avoid using fireworks near dry vegetation, brush, or structures.
Local emergency personnel wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July, and thank the community in advance for helping keep emergency lines open for those who truly need them.
