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Valley fireworks stands do booming business By JILL BRISKEY Throughout the Rogue Valley, fireworks stands exploded into existence Saturday morning in a flurry of red, white and blue glory. Eager to see new fountains or snatch up familiar novelties, customers lined up early as the retail booths and tents opened for business on the first retail day of the season. "I'm just looking for now," said Pete Snow, 12, of Medford. "I want to see who has the best deals, the best stuff, before I get anything." Dwight Stockton, manager of Discount Fireworks Superstore on Jacksonville Highway, said he's pleased to see so many people on the first day. "It's been real good. We're getting a lot of repeat customers from last year," he said. Proceeds from Discount Fireworks Superstore will be used to send area teens to Camp Corley, a state-managed youth camp in Drain, he said. Stockton said these days, fireworks vendors offer something for every customer, from the 25 cent "snakes" to the $21.99 Quiet Riot - a huge fountain with showers of glitter and pops. "As long as it's supervised, there's a lot of good family fun to have," he added. Fire officials are also urging close supervision and caution among Rogue Valley residents this season due to a lack of rain and drought-like conditions. "There's an extreme level of danger this year because the moisture levels in the grass and even heavy timbers are so low," said firefighter Steve Gordon of Jackson County Fire District 5. "It's only the end of June. (This level of fire danger) doesn't usually happen until the end of July or even August." According to information from the Oregon fire marshal's office, 252 fires caused by fireworks were reported statewide in 2000, up from 134 fires in 1999. Property damage and loss due to fireworks usage was estimated at $97,460 in 2000. A total of 62 fireworks-related injuries were recorded in Oregon in 2000. Minors under the age of 17 accounted for approximately 44 percent of the reported injuries, emergency room reports showed. Fire and police officials are asking residents to observe the following regulations. * It is illegal to ignite fireworks in Medford city limits. * State law prohibits sales of fireworks to children under age 16. * Oregon law bans fireworks that fly more than a foot into the air, explode, or move more than six feet on the ground. * Possession of illegal fireworks can bring a $250 fine and parents are legally liable for damage from blazes set by their children. * Residents are urged to read and follow directions before igniting fireworks. Use fireworks outdoors only in the presence of an adult. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.