City councilors voted unanimously Wednesday to permanently ban the use and sale of fireworks in Bend.
A temporary restriction is already in effect in response to the summer's extreme heat, drought conditions, and high fire dangers. But it doesn’t prohibit sales and was set to end in December.
"Safety is a priority emphasized again and again by community members in City of Bend polling,” said Mayor Sally Russell in a press release. “Recognizing the need to keep some part of annual celebrations which included fireworks, community fireworks displays approved by Bend Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Fire Marshall will continue to be permitted."
Under the new ban, public permitted firework displays, like the annual 4th of July show at Pilot Butte are exempt.
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