Fires Started by Fireworks Fall by 80% Compared With 2020

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Preliminary figures from Portland Fire & Rescue in Oregon show blazes caused by fireworks fell by almost 80% this year, likely because of a ban on fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday.

Fire officials said Tuesday that nine fires were caused by fireworks in Portland during this year’s fireworks season compared with 44 last year, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

The fireworks season runs from June 23 to July 6. Portland Fire & Rescue called the ban “extremely effective” in a statement.

Drought conditions and high fire danger prompted cities across Oregon and southwest Washington to ban the use of fireworks through this year’s Fourth of July holiday.

In southwest Washington, Clark County fire officials said they were called to 30% fewer fires during the holiday weekend, KGW-TV reported.