In an effort to defuse illegal firework activities, Bend Police and Fire Inspectors have joined together in a task force. They will patrol areas historically known for big shows of explosive fireworks.
Bend Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Howe wants to be clear. The Task Force isn’t looking to bust folks using regular consumer sized fireworks.
“We’re talking about the illegal fireworks that either fly more than 6 feet horizontally, more than one foot in the air, or that explode or shoot out flaming balls.”
The Bend area is what is called a “fire regime,” meaning just about everything burns. And exploding fireworks are the perfect source of ignition. Last year’s Pilot Butte fire started on the 4th of July because of illegal fireworks.
In addition to the fire threat, Howe says illegal fireworks terrify pets and some people, like veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Injury.
“There are still people, they know all the reasons they shouldn’t be lighting them and they still go out and buy them, bring them down here, have these huge shows in neighborhoods, and rile up the whole community. On our very busiest day of the whole year, Fourth of July and we’re chasing these things that are completely preventable.”
The Task Force will patrol Bend neighborhoods June 27th through July 6th.
