July 2021 THE CHARBONNEAU VILLAGER 15
TVF & R
By CHRISTINA LENT
Celebrate the Fourth of July safely
As we prepare to commemorate our country ’ s independence on July 4 , Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue offers firework safety tips to ensure you have a safe holiday .
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 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 .
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 .
FREE
Charbonneau SHRED DAY !
Saturday , July 17 10:00 am — 12:00 pm Village Center Parking Lot Document Shredding
This is a free event ; however , checks made payable to the Wilsonville Food Bank are gratefully accepted to help Wilsonville families in need .
Sponsored by : Windermere Real Estate & Charbonneau Country Club
For more information , contact the CCC office Documents will be shredded on-site