Fireworks Laws in Bend Oregon: What’s Legal & Banned (2026 Guide)

Fireworks in Bend, Oregon, are tightly regulated to balance celebration with public safety and wildfire prevention. Only "consumer-grade" fireworks labeled "Oregon-approved" are legal for personal use, and even those are restricted to specific dates and locations. Violations can result in fines up to $500, confiscation, or criminal charges, especially during fire season.

This guide covers the exact statutes, enforcement agencies, permitted items, prohibited acts, and step-by-step compliance for residents and visitors in Bend and Deschutes County.

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Fireworks laws in Bend operate under a three-tiered system: federal, state, and local regulations. Each layer imposes distinct rules and enforcement authority.

1. Federal Law: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

• Governs the manufacturing and labeling of fireworks under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).
• Only fireworks labeled "1.4G" (consumer-grade) are legal for public sale and use.
• ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) regulates display-grade (1.3G) fireworks, which require federal permits and are illegal for public purchase.

2. Oregon State Law: Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) & Oregon Fire Code

• ORS 480.110–480.165: Governs the sale, possession, and use of fireworks.
• Oregon Fire Code (OFC) Chapter 56: Adopts NFPA 1124 standards for fireworks safety.
• Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM): Certifies all legal fireworks sold in the state. Only OSFM-approved items may be sold or used.
• Legal window for use: June 23–July 6 and December 31–January 1 each year. Outside these dates, all fireworks are illegal, regardless of type.

3. Local Law: Bend Municipal Code & Deschutes County Ordinances

• Bend Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 8.10: Prohibits the use of any fireworks within city limits unless expressly permitted by the Bend Fire Department.
• Deschutes County Code (DCC) 9.10.040: Allows Oregon-approved consumer fireworks in unincorporated areas only during the legal window, with restrictions on proximity to structures, vehicles, and dry vegetation.
• Bend Fire Department (BFD) and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office enforce local rules and issue permits for public displays.

Key Takeaway: Even if a firework is legal under state law, Bend city limits ban all personal use. Only permitted public displays are allowed within city boundaries.

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1. Determine Where You Are

• Inside Bend city limits: All personal fireworks are banned. Only professional displays with a permit are allowed.
• Outside Bend (unincorporated Deschutes County): Oregon-approved consumer fireworks are legal only from June 23–July 6 and December 31–January 1.

2. Verify Fireworks Legality

• Check the OSFM-approved list: The Oregon State Fire Marshal publishes an annual list of legal fireworks. Only items on this list may be sold or used.
• Legal examples: Sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, smoke devices, and small aerial shells (under 1.75" diameter).
• Illegal examples: Aerial shells over 1.75", bottle rockets, Roman candles, M-80s, cherry bombs, and any unlabeled or homemade devices.
• Look for the OSFM label: All legal fireworks must display the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s certification sticker.

3. Purchase Fireworks Legally

• Where to buy: Only state-licensed retailers may sell fireworks in Oregon. Vendors must display a current OSFM permit.
• Age requirement: Buyers must be 16 or older to purchase fireworks.
• Proof of residency: Some vendors require Oregon ID to prevent out-of-state purchases of illegal items.

4. Use Fireworks Safely & Legally

• Time restrictions:
• June 23–July 6: Use allowed between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, except on July 4, when use is allowed until 11:00 PM.
• December 31–January 1: Use allowed between 7:00 AM and 12:15 AM.
• Location restrictions:
• Minimum 50 feet from structures, vehicles, and dry grass.
• No use on public property (parks, streets, sidewalks).
• No use in state or national forests, parks, or wildlife areas.
• Supervision: An adult must supervise all fireworks use.

5. Obtain a Permit for Public Displays (Bend Only)

• Who needs a permit: Organizations or individuals hosting public fireworks displays within Bend city limits.
• Application process:
1. Submit Bend Fire Department Fireworks Display Permit Application at least 30 days in advance.
2. Provide site plan, proof of liability insurance, and pyrotechnician certification.
3. Pay $250–$1,000 fee (based on display size).
4. Schedule pre-inspection with BFD.
• Contact: Bend Fire Department, (541) 322-6300, www.bendoregon.gov/fire.

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Common Compliance Mistakes

1. Using fireworks outside the legal window: Even Oregon-approved items are illegal outside June 23–July 6 and December 31–January 1.
2. Ignoring local bans: Many assume state law overrides local rules. Bend bans all personal use, regardless of state approval.
3. Purchasing from unlicensed vendors: Roadside stands or out-of-state purchases often sell illegal items.
4. Using fireworks near dry vegetation: A single spark can ignite wildfires, especially during fire season (typically June–October).
5. Allowing minors to handle fireworks: Only adults may purchase, possess, or ignite fireworks.

Exceptions

• Professional displays: Permitted public shows are exempt from personal use bans.
• Agricultural use: Farmers may use audible bird-scaring devices (e.g., "bird bombs") with a Deschutes County permit.
• Emergency responders: Fire departments and law enforcement may use pyrotechnics for training or emergencies.

Penalties for Violations

Fire Season Alert: During declared burn bans, all fireworks are illegal, even in unincorporated areas. Check Deschutes County’s burn ban status at www.deschutes.org/burnban.

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Can I set off fireworks in my backyard in Bend?

No. Bend Municipal Code bans all personal fireworks use within city limits, regardless of type or time of year. Only permitted public displays are allowed.

What happens if I get caught with illegal fireworks in Bend?

You will face a $500 fine, and police will confiscate all fireworks. Repeat offenses may result in misdemeanor charges.

How do I report illegal fireworks in Bend?

Call the Bend Police non-emergency line at (541) 693-6911 or use the Deschutes County Sheriff’s online reporting tool at www.deschutes.org/sheriff.

Are sparklers legal in Bend?

No. Sparklers are classified as fireworks and are banned in Bend city limits. In unincorporated Deschutes County, they are legal only during the approved window (June 23–July 6 and December 31–January 1).

Can I bring fireworks into Oregon from another state?

No. Importing fireworks into Oregon is illegal unless you are a licensed retailer or professional display operator. Out-of-state fireworks are often not OSFM-approved and may be confiscated at the border.

What should I do if a firework starts a fire?

• Call 911 immediately.
• Attempt to extinguish small fires with water or a fire extinguisher if safe to do so.
• Do not flee the scene—you may be held liable for damages.

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Before Using Fireworks

• ✅Check your location: Are you inside Bend city limits? If yes, all fireworks are banned.
• ✅Verify the date: Are you within the June 23–July 6 or December 31–January 1 window?
• ✅Confirm burn ban status: Visit Deschutes County Burn Ban.
• ✅Purchase only OSFM-approved fireworks: Look for the Oregon State Fire Marshal sticker.
• ✅Read the instructions: Follow all safety guidelines on the packaging.

During Use

• ✅Supervise children at all times.
• ✅Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
• ✅Light fireworks one at a time and move away quickly.
• ✅Never relight a "dud"—wait 20 minutes, then soak in water.
• ✅Dispose of used fireworks properly: Soak in water before throwing in the trash.

After Use

• ✅Check for smoldering debris and extinguish completely.
• ✅Report any fires immediately by calling 911.

Official Contacts

• Bend Fire Department: (541) 322-6300 | www.bendoregon.gov/fire
• Deschutes County Sheriff: (541) 388-6655 | www.deschutes.org/sheriff
• Oregon State Fire Marshal: (503) 378-3473 | www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm
• Oregon Department of Forestry (Burn Ban Info): www.oregon.gov/odf

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute formal legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Fireworks laws are subject to change; always verify current regulations with local authorities.