Celebrate 4th of July Holiday Safely

Published on July 01, 2024

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The City of Medford encourages all residents to exercise caution and take proper safety measures if they choose to use fireworks. Conditions are dry and the use of fireworks near dry vegetation could cause a wildfire.

In Oregon, illegal fireworks are those that fly, explode, or move across the ground more than six feet or up in the air more than 12 inches. This includes popular items like bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s. 

In Medford, Oregon legal consumer fireworks can only be used in legal areas from July 1 -6; the penalty of using illegal fireworks is $2,500. 

As a reminder:

  • Prohibited Areas in Medford: It is illegal within the city limits to discharge any fireworks in Wildland Hazard Areas (hills east of Foothill Rd. and North Phoenix Rd.), the Bear Creek Greenway, any City park, or any public school (Medford Municipal Code - All Types of Fireworks Prohibited).
  • Oregon Illegal Fireworks: Any type of aerial firework is illegal for citizens to discharge in the state of Oregon. This would include mortars, bottle or sky rockets, and Roman candles or similar devices that shoot flaming balls. According the State statutes, any device that explodes, flies into the air, behaves in an uncontrolled and unpredictable manner, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally is illegal to use in the State of Oregon.
  • Oregon Illegal Explosives: Explosive devices are illegal to use in the State of Oregon, including firecrackers and M-80's.

Click here for information on Oregon legal vs. illegal fireworks.(PDF, 356KB)

Fireworks Safety

As you prepare for 4th of July activities this year, please keep these firework safety tips in mind:

  • Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
  • Always provide close adult supervision to older children.
  • Never have any portion of your body over a firework when lighting.
  • Always keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
  • Never attempt to reignite a malfunctioning firework.
  • Please leave your pets indoors and away from fireworks.
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