Roseburg City Council Considers Fireworks Ban Following Recent Fire Risks

Roseburg, OR – September 8, 2025
The Roseburg City Council will review a proposal Monday that could lead to a citywide ban on the sale, possession, and use of fireworks. The discussion comes after recent years of fireworks-related fires in Roseburg and across Oregon, coupled with increasing wildfire risk due to hotter, drier conditions.

Why It’s on the Agenda

According to the Fire Department’s staff report, fireworks were responsible for over 32,000 fires nationwide in 2023, including 15 civilian deaths and $142 million in property damage. In Oregon, fireworks have been linked to large-scale disasters, such as the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 and a 2021 Portland apartment fire that killed three people.

Roseburg has also seen local incidents tied to fireworks. In 2024, the holiday brought multiple structure and grass fires. On July 4, 2025, city crews responded to a structure fire, a dumpster fire, a blaze near a building, and a 3-acre grass fire involving a vehicle.

Risks and Concerns

The staff report points to Roseburg’s topography and climate as key risk factors. With steep, wooded hillsides and surrounding farmlands forming a wildland-urban interface, even small fires could spread quickly under dry and windy conditions.

Beyond fire danger, the report highlights the impact of fireworks on veterans, individuals with PTSD, and pets. Animal control agencies report a 30–60% rise in lost pets nationwide during the July 4 holiday due to fireworks.

What Council Could Do

The Council will consider three options:

1. Direct staff to draft an ordinance banning fireworks in the city.
2. Request more information before making a decision.
3. Take no action at this time.

If Council supports moving forward, staff recommend preparing an ordinance before the end of 2025 to give vendors and the community time to adjust ahead of next summer.

The city council's full agenda for September 8 can be found here.