Fireworks, noise, and when to call 911 in La Grande this 4th of July
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, June 26th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – As 4th of July approaches, the use of fireworks is likely to see an uptick, even before the holiday itself. While Oregon law prohibits all forms of air-born fireworks (including mortars/festival balls, roman candles, and bottle rockets, among others), plenty of residents may still get their hands on various types of nuisance fireworks.
While the use of airborne, and even some ground-based, fireworks is in violation of state law, along with local ordinances and burn bans, the La Grande Police Department (LGPD) and La Grande Fire Department (LGFD) want to remind residents of when it is considered appropriate to call 911 regarding fireworks.
According to a recent joint post from the LGPD and LGFD, 911 should only be called regarding or due to fireworks under the following circumstances:
- If there is an active fire
- If someone has sustained a serious injury
- If there is an immediate threat to life or property
As written in the post, “using emergency lines for routine fireworks complaints ties up dispatchers and delays life-saving responses.”
For reporting nuisance fireworks, residents are asked to refrain from calling 911. Of course, if there is or is suspected to be an active emergency, do not hesitate to still call 911, regardless of the cause.
The LGPD would also like to remind residents to plan ahead to accommodate their pets on the 4th of July itself. During festivities, keep pets inside, provide a safe and quiet space if possible, and either divert their attention or attempt to drown out the loud noises.
La Grande’s non-emergency reporting line can be reached at: 1-541-963-1017
