Portland Fire & Rescue and Portland Police will be working together again to confiscate and write citations for the possession or use of illegal fireworks. The objective of the operation is to educate the public regarding fireworks laws in Oregon.

Fire inspectors will be partnered with police officers and will be "on patrol" in Portland looking for violators. The dates of the operation are July 2,3, and 4. The exact areas of the city they will be patrolling and number of teams is not being released.

If you, or your children, use illegal fireworks and cause damage to the property of someone else, you can be held liable for the damage, the injuries, and the cost of putting the fire out. These costs can easily run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Steps to safer use of fireworks include:

*Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket of water.

*Use only legal fireworks purchased at a licensed fireworks stand in Oregon.

*Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks.

*Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes then soak in a bucket of water before disposal.

http://www.portlandonline.com/fire/fireworks

http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/

Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police want everyone to have a safe Independence Day.