“This is one of the busiest weekends with the Buckeroo, there are more people in town, but most of our calls are from fireworks,” said Molalla Public Information Officer Denise Everhart.

Last year there were 188 firework-related fires in Oregon, a significant decrease from 331 fires in 2007. Even though total dollars lost from fireworks-related fires was relatively low at $112,451, all fires should be taken seriously due to their potential to cause injury, major property damage and death, according to a press release from the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Adults were involved in more than 78 percent of the fires last year.

Fireworks went on sale in Oregon June 23 and will be available for purchase through July 6.

“Legal fireworks may be purchased from Oregon permitted firework retailers and stands,” State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson said in a press release.

Oregon laws ban possession and use of fireworks that fly, explode, or travel more than 6 feet on the ground or more than one foot in the air including bottle rockets, Roman Candles and firecrackers.

Last year, Molalla Police Department began cracking down on illegal fireworks usage, Molalla Police Department Public Information Officer Scott Douglas said. He said that in past it seemed like every neighborhood hosted illegal fireworks displays.

“We’re not going to just sit back and watch entire neighborhoods throw half-hour illegal fireworks displays,” Douglas said. “The chief has mandated that we will enforce the laws for those large group gatherings.”

Neighborhood fireworks displays are not a problem as long as only fireworks legal in the state of Oregon are used, Douglas said.

Offenders can be fined up to $500 per violation and are liable for any damage caused by their fireworks and may be required to pay for fire suppression costs.

Fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited in all state parks, on all Oregon beaches, and in federal parks and forests.

The Molalla Fire Department and Oregon State Fire Marshal offer the following precautions to help insure a safe Fourth:

Always read and follow label directions

Keep children and pets away from fireworks

Children younger than 12 should not light fireworks

Adults are recommended to limit their alcohol intake when lighting fireworks

Keep a garden hose or a bucket of water handy

Never relight a dud

Wait 15 to 20 minutes, and then soak fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water before disposing