By CHRISTINA LENT

If you intend to use fireworks , keep them legal and safe .

Oregon law bans fireworks that fly , explode or travel on the ground more than six feet — this includes bottle rockets , roman candles , firecrackers and M80s .

To be legal , purchase all fireworks at a licensed Oregon fireworks 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 re-light 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 fi reworks

Law enforcement agencies enforce criminal laws related to the use of illegal fireworks in Oregon .

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 . 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 .

BY JAELEN OGADHOH

PAMPLIN MEDIA GROUP

The newly-planted “ moon tree ” is raised from one of approximately 500 seeds that were on board during the Apollo 14 mission of 1971 and carried by astronaut Stuart Roosa . The astronaut lived and trained as a pilot in Central Oregon , according to the Oregon Travel Information Council .

The seeds of various tree species orbited the moon 34 times as a personal carry-on of Roosa ’ s , reportedly as part of a science project to test how lunar travel might cause irregularities in the seeds ’ growth . Once returned to Earth , the seeds successfully sprouted and many were planted in Oregon and beyond , the council reported .

The new tree provides a rare addition

to the site — of the seeds that orbited the moon , there are only 50 locations where it ’ s known that they have been planted , according to the council .

The city was offered to apply for one of the remaining nine saplings , which are grown and maintained in Coos Bay , to be planted with an accompanying public dedication if a permanent public site was chosen .

Kerry Rappold , natural resources program manager for Wilsonville , said that to plant one of the rare saplings in the city was a “ really unique opportunity ” that will be further commemorated through a plaque that recognizes both the moon tree and an adjacent oak tree with a “ champion ” classification due to its large size .

City Councilor Charlotte Lehan , an advocate of trees who for nearly 15 years has sat on the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee that helped distribute moon tree saplings , said that because of the long lifespans of trees , they can serve as living markers of history .