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PUBLIC SAFETY Tips for safe, legal fireworks Comment By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 12:38 PM Updated Jun 23, 2016 at 6:33 PM By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 12:38 PM Updated Jun 23, 2016 at 6:33 PM » Social News The fireworks spread out at Jackson County Fire District No. 3's training grounds have a variety of colorful names: Gun Rack, Main Event, Saturn Missile, Parachute. And they all have one thing in common: They're all illegal in Oregon because they either travel more than six feet horizontally or one foot vertically from their point of ignition. Or they explode. "The most important thing is that everything's got a label on it," says Brian Trim, TNT Fireworks vice president. "If you are buying or purchasing an item at a location, and there isn't any kind of labeling, either warning labels or labeling that describes what the item does or how to handle the item, that could potentially be a dangerous item." Illegal fireworks can be seized and lead to fines up to $500, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Fireworks that check all the necessary boxes are allowed within Medford city limits between June 23 and July 6, except for the Bear Creek Greenway, city parks and public schools. Fireworks are also prohibited in the wildfire area risk zone, defined by fire officials as the area east of North Foothills and North Phoenix roads, and north of Cherry Lane. Even legal fireworks set off in the allowed areas have their share of safety problems. "One of the big risks is people using fireworks the way they're not intended to be used. So holding them in their hands or modifying them," says Tanner Fairrington, District 3 fire inspector. "We also see the potential of fireworks igniting grasses or any combustibles. So we just ask people to be responsible and careful." The Oregon State Fire Marshal reported fireworks started 924 fires between 2011 and 2015 in Oregon, resulting in one death, 161 injuries and $2.7 million in property damage. To stay safe while putting on your own Independence Day show, firefighters recommend lighting the devices on a nonflammable surface such as concrete or asphalt, well away from structures and plants. Keep flammable materials away. Light the firework fuses with a long-stemmed lighter or a "punk," a long stick with a tip that smolders when lighted. Young children should not handle fireworks, and no one should wear open-toed shoes around fireworks. Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby, and drop used fireworks in the water bucket to soak for a bit before throwing them in the garbage. Also, don't try to relight a dud. "If anything, you want to let it sit for a couple of minutes and then dunk it in a bucket of water," says Ashley Lara, Fire District 3 spokeswoman. Reach reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or [email protected]. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ryanpfeil . By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil MailTribune.com By Ryan Pfeil Mail Tribune Follow @@RyanPfeil Posted Jun. 23, 2016 at 12:38 PM Updated Jun 23, 2016 at 6:33 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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