The Fourth of July arrives this year against a backdrop of active wildfires, dangerous fire weather, and widespread fireworks restrictions across the Pacific Northwest. Oregon, Washington, and Idaho have all implemented bans or restrictions on fireworks in high-risk areas, while smoke from regional and national wildfires may affect air quality over the holiday weekend. Here is what you need to know to stay safe and compliant.

Fireworks Restrictions by State

Oregon

Oregon State Parks has implemented a blanket ban on fireworks in all state parks and along the Oregon coast, enforced this Fourth of July amid increasing wildfire dangers. Violations may result in citations. State parks officials issued a reminder that fireworks are illegal in parks and on beaches, citing risks of wildfire ignition, fines, and environmental damage.

Beyond state lands, many Oregon cities and counties have adopted their own restrictions. Eugene, Bend, Newport, and numerous other communities have local rules governing what is legal. Oregon law generally prohibits aerial devices, rockets, and anything that explodes — but enforcement and the definition of "safe and sane" consumer fireworks varies by jurisdiction. Check with your local fire department or city/county website before purchasing or using any fireworks.

Washington

Washington has issued statewide Fourth of July safety reminders urging residents to check local restrictions. The Lambdin Fire burning in Walla Walla County provides a dramatic illustration of fire conditions, and fire officials across the state are urging the public to treat fire risk as extreme. Many Eastern Washington counties, where fire conditions are most dangerous, have adopted burn bans. Check with your county fire marshal or emergency management office.

Idaho

Ada County, Idaho, adopted a 2026 resolution declaring a severe fire threat and banning fireworks in specific high-risk areas. Other Idaho counties and communities may have similar local restrictions. The Idaho State Fire Marshal's office advises that local restrictions may apply even where state law permits certain fireworks. Residents should verify local rules before the holiday.

Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality

Smoke from western wildfires — including the massive Cottonwood Fire in Utah (nearly 94,000 acres) and dozens of other large fires — may drift into Pacific Northwest airspace over the holiday weekend. Smoke transport is driven by upper-level wind patterns, and conditions can change rapidly, causing unhealthy air quality to appear with little warning.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into the lungs and can cause health problems even in healthy individuals. Those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions are at significantly elevated risk.

Tips for protecting yourself from smoke:

  • Check AirNow (airnow.gov) for current Air Quality Index values in your area before heading outdoors
  • On days with moderate or higher AQI, reduce outdoor exertion — especially for children and vulnerable individuals
  • Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor
  • Use HVAC systems with clean MERV-13 or better filters, or run a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter
  • N95 respirators, properly fitted, can reduce exposure if you must go outside during smoke events

Adding personal fireworks smoke on top of wildfire smoke can significantly worsen local air quality, particularly in neighborhoods where consumer fireworks use is heavy.

Reporting Illegal Fireworks

Residents who observe illegal fireworks use in high-risk or restricted areas are encouraged to report it to local law enforcement or their county's non-emergency dispatch line. In the event of a fire caused by fireworks, call 911 immediately.

Fire agencies across the Northwest ask the public to remember: this year's conditions are exceptional. A single spark in the wrong place can become a catastrophe. Please celebrate responsibly.