Fireworks
Fireworks are fun, but not worth the risk they can bring to communities. The use, sale and possession of fireworks are banned in Bend per city ordinance, and fireworks in surrounding communities must be Oregon-legal.
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Illegal use of fireworks in Bend can be reported at fireworks@bendoregon.gov
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Bend Fireworks Ban
In 2021, the Bend City Council voted to permanently prohibit the sale and use of fireworks in Bend in response to years of drought declarations and record-setting heat waves that make the community vulnerable to wildfire risk.
All fireworks sales, use and possession are banned within the Bend city limits under city law.
What the ban means:
- There will not be any sales tents or in-store purchases of fireworks in Bend.
- You cannot buy fireworks elsewhere and use them in Bend without risking fines or other legal consequences.
- Only fireworks shows that have special permission from the Oregon State Fire Marshal are allowed.
Leave it to the pros!
These displays are permitted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal and run by certified professionals for all to enjoy! Bend Fire & Rescue works closely with the organizers leading up to the show to check the display setup and emergency planning, and crews are ready to respond in case of spot fires.
2026 Permitted Displays:
July 4 Pilot Butte Fireworks Display by Subaru of Bend
Saturday, July 4 at 10 p.m.
Pilot Butte State Park, Bend
Closure info: Community members will have limited access to Pilot Butte State Park in Bend from July 1-5 as preparations are made for the July 4 public fireworks display. Bend Fire & Rescue, in collaboration with the Oregon State Parks Department, asks that the community observe the restrictions in place for everyone’s safety:
- The summit and the access road to the summit will close to all visitors beginning at 10 p.m. on June 30 through the afternoon of July 5 following clean-up operations.
- All trails and roadways except for the summit, will be accessible to pedestrians only beginning at 10 p.m. on June 30 through July 3.
- Full closure of all trails and roadways begins July 4 through the afternoon of July 5 following clean-up operations.
- The main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte, off Linea Drive, will be open during the fireworks show. Please do not block emergency access roads or public and private streets, as this can delay a response to an emergency.
- Pets are not permitted in the park during the show.
Signs, barricades and security will be placed at the closure points on the butte. For the safety of all, please respect the closed areas and do not attempt entry.
July 3 Bend Elks Fireworks Display
Friday, July 3 around 9 p.m. after the conclusion of the game
Vince Genna Stadium, Bend
Fireworks Reporting
To help keep our neighborhoods safe and our environment protected, the use of personal fireworks is not permitted within Bend city limits. We are asking Bend community members to send fireworks complaints via email at fireworks@bendoregon.gov
While this email is not monitored in real time and does not trigger a police response, every report helps us identify patterns and address ongoing fireworks concerns across Bend.
Your input plays a key role in keeping our community safe and informed—thank you for helping us track these issues.
In general, illegal use of fireworks is not considered an emergency. However, if you see a fire start, or if someone gets hurt by a fire, you should call 911.
We ask the Bend community to help our first responders by following the local ban on fireworks. That will allow quicker emergency response and avoid a flood of calls to Deschutes County 911 dispatch.
Firework Display Permits
Firework displays are only allowed in the Bend area when a permit has been issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshal and endorsed by Bend Fire & Rescue and the Bend Police Department.
To obtain a firework display permit, you must:
- Select the appropriate fireworks permit application from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and fill it out with information about your proposed display. There are several types of fireworks permits to choose from depending on your needs. Permits are subject to a fee and may have specific licensing and certification requirements.
- Have application reviewed and endorsed by Bend Fire & Rescue and Bend Police Department. Contact Bend Fire & Rescue at 541-322-6300 to request a review of your application as early as possible. Bend Fire will work with Bend Police to review and provide you with the endorsement documentation to support your application with the State.
- Apply for your permit through the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Submit your application along with the endorsement documentation from Bend Fire & Rescue and Bend Police at least 15 days prior to your display.
- Schedule an inspection with Bend Fire & Rescue ahead of your display. Once you’ve received the preliminary approval from the State Fire Marshal, you will schedule an inspection with the Bend Fire & Rescue inspector who endorsed your application. The inspector will meet with you prior to the show to go over safety considerations and requirements. Some displays will require a demonstration prior to the show.
- Stay in close contact with Bend Fire & Rescue leading up to your firework display. Some conditions can impact whether a firework display permit can be carried out as planned, including extreme weather or unforeseen strain on local emergency resources.
For more information and to apply for a permit, visit the Office of the State Fire Marshal – Fireworks Info.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The ban does not include “novelty items” or small items that are not classified as fireworks by the state of Oregon. These include smoke bombs, wire core sparklers, snakes, and party poppers.
Note that wood core or “flitter” sparklers are considered fireworks and are banned by the ordinance. A flitter sparkler is a small paper tube filled with materials that create color and sparks when lit. These don’t use a fuse—you light the paper at one end to start them.
Firework use outside city limits is still regulated by Oregon State Law. Oregon-legal fireworks, also called retail fireworks, can be used without a permit. Commonly known Oregon legal fireworks include fountains, flitter sparklers, and ground spinners. Fireworks that fly into the air, explode, or move in wild or unpredictable ways are not allowed in Oregon without a special permit from the Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Learn more about legal use of fireworks: Oregon State Fire Marshal.
If you are in an area that permits fireworks, please remember to use them safely.
- Have a water source nearby in case of an accident or defective fireworks.
- Only use fireworks on non-combustible surfaces like gravel or pavement.
- Follow age restrictions. Only adults should light and use fireworks – never children.
- Soak discharged fireworks in water before disposal.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal can issue permits for professional fireworks displays. These permits allow certain shows to happen even though they would normally be against the rules.
Permitted displays must undergo an intense review and follow specific safety rules to protect the audience and the surrounding area. Bend Fire & Rescue works with the organizers of these displays to ensure specific fire safety during and after the show, including requiring professional pyrotechnicians to be on scene, ensuring proper fire suppression equipment and monitoring area after each show to prevent unintended fires from igniting.
Information on obtaining permits can be found: Oregon State Fire Marshal.
Violation of the fireworks ban within city limits is considered a “Class A” civil infraction. This means the person could be fined up to $750.
According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, breaking state fireworks laws could be treated as a misdemeanor, with fines up to $2,500.
Also, if someone’s fireworks cause injury or damage, they could face more serious legal consequences, including criminal charges or being held responsible for the costs.
