Oregon Officials Advice on Fireworks, Leave Them At Home If Heading to State Parks, the Coast

Published 06/26/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln Cit, Oregon) - With the Fourth of July fast approaching, and summer set to reheat by the holiday, both Oregon State Parks and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office are urging Oregonians to celebrate safely - and to think twice before lighting fireworks. (Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo)

Oregon State Parks is asking visitors to “leave the fireworks to the professionals,” reminding the public that fireworks and explosives are strictly prohibited in all state parks and along the entire ocean shore.

OPRD Emergency Manager Jamen Lee said the danger is real, especially in crowded coastal areas where wind and dry vegetation can turn a single spark into a wildfire.

“Just one rogue spark can create a wildfire,” Lee said, noting that the agency works closely with local partners to reduce fire risk and depends on visitors to follow restrictions.

The agency also highlighted the environmental toll left behind each year. Volunteers routinely collect thousands of pounds of debris after the holiday; one group alone gathered 231 pounds from four Lincoln City beaches last year.

“We ask that visitors respect fireworks restrictions and clean up after their celebrations to protect Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore,” said Laurel Hillmann, OPRD’s ocean shore resource coordinator.

Rangers primarily focus on education, but they do have authority to issue citations for fireworks violations. The agency is also reminding visitors to check for fire restrictions before traveling, as some coastal areas prohibit beach fires entirely during wildfire season.

Waldport / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

Also note that personal fireworks are banned in most Oregon coast towns on the upper half. All of Lincoln County has banned them, as has Cannon Beach, Rockaway Beach and Manzanita. Some areas have even banned the sale of them. In Seaside, those that are legal in Oregon are fine, but they are cracking down on illegal fireworks there.

South coast towns have not banned them – but check carefully before you shoot any off as the bans are a bit of a confused patchwork of rules.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office echoed many of the same concerns, adding that fireworks can affect far more than fire danger. LCSO noted that loud blasts and bright flashes can trigger anxiety in veterans, pets, and people with PTSD. Deputies urged residents who choose to use fireworks to be considerate of neighbors, follow local ordinances, and pay close attention to time and location.

LCSO also emphasized the importance of knowing what is - and isn’t - legal in Oregon. Any firework that flies, explodes, or behaves unpredictably is illegal. Firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, M-80s, M-100s, and similar devices are classified as dangerous explosives, not consumer fireworks, and are federally banned. Possession of illegal fireworks is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $10,000. Anyone aware of illegal sales is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

Absolute Complete Guide to Oregon Coast Fourth of July, 2026: All Towns - Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats, Florence, Reedsport, North Bend, Coos Bay, Charleston, Bandon, Port Orford, Gold Beach, Brookings

General safety guidance from the sheriff’s office includes keeping spectators at a safe distance, lighting fireworks only on flat, nonflammable surfaces, and never attempting to relight a malfunctioning device. Fireworks should never be given to children, and even sparklers require close adult supervision.

Both agencies stressed pet safety, advising owners to keep animals indoors with familiar noise to soften sudden booms, or leashed and under control if outside.

Wherever you're going in Oregon or Washington, officials say the basics remain the same: be aware of weather, keep flammable materials clear, have water ready, and know your location in case you need to call 911.

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