2020_July issue_Villager newspaper | Page 14

14 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER July 2020 TVF&R By CHRISTINA LENT Celebrate the Fourth of July safely Oregon law bans fireworks that fly, explode, or travel on the ground more than 6 feet — this includes bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and M80s. To be legal, purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon firework stand. Fireworks purchased by mail order or in the state of Washington or at a Native American reservation may be illegal in our state. Just because some fireworks are legal, doesn’t mean they’re 100% safe. This includes sparklers. They can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees — wood burns at 575 degrees, while glass melts at 900 degrees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Even legal fireworks are dangerous and can cause injuries and burns. � Only adults should light or handle fireworks. Supervise children at all times. � Use fireworks outdoors on a paved surface, away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation. � Never try to relight a “dud.” Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, or buildings. � Never alter fireworks or make your own. � Have a hose nearby in case of fire and place “spent” fireworks in a metal bucket with water. � Store fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the reach of children. Reporting firework incidents in TVF&R’s service area Individuals needing to report a fire or medical emergency should call 911. Individuals wishing to report a nuisance or concern about illegal fireworks should do so via the non-emergency number, 503- 629-0111. These situations will be logged, passed on to local law enforcement, and responded to as resources allow. Penalties for misusing fireworks Law enforcement agencies enforce criminal laws related to the use of illegal fireworks in Oregon. TVF&R reminds people to be safe during the Fourth of July. Under Oregon law, officers can seize illegal fireworks and issue criminal citations, including reckless burning, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and more with fines up to $500 per violation. COURTESY PHOTO People can also be held civilly liable for damages resulting from improper use of any fireworks — legal or illegal. For more safety tips, visit www.tvfr. com. Document Shredding Event A Huge Success! On Saturday, June 13 Charbonneau residents raised $2,041 for the Wilsonville Sharing Food Bank Wilsonville Sharing Food Bank would like to thank everyone at Charbonneau for their generosity The Shredding Event was put on by Windermere Real Estate and Charbonneau Country Club Well Done!