County bans fireworks
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners has voted to ban the use of fireworks in all unincorporated areas of the county effective immediately. The ban will last until Sept. 30, but could be lifted sooner if conditions change. The ban does not include the sale of fireworks. Violators could face a $500 fine.
“The decision is based upon drought and potential wildfire conditions,” Board Chairman George Murdock stated. “The order is designed to protect our most vulnerable resources, including forests, cropland, pasture, and range lands.”
Murdock said that he has never received as many calls on an issue. They are from people deeply afraid of wildfires and urging a moratorium on fireworks. He said the board felt that Umatilla County has suffered an unreasonable number of disasters and emergencies in the last two years, and the county should do everything it can to avoid another.
Also at the meeting, the board reaffirmed the regulations that bar ATVs from operating on county roads. They are also not permitted on private lands except by the express permission of the landowner. Sheriff’s patrols will be on the alert for such violations.
Today (Wednesday) marks the reopening of Oregon, but the board also discussed the fact that while Gov. Kate Brown has declared the state open, OSHA has not. Its rules remain in place. Murdock said they are hoping OSHA will clarify those regulations sometime today.
Meanwhile, starting tomorrow (Thursday), county facilities will be open to the public and public meetings will be conducted to allow for in-person attendance as well as online. Those wishing to do business with the county are still encouraged to make an appointment to ensure they receive the appropriate amount of attention and time and to make sure the person they need to see is available.
