City Fire Marshal Brian Pike wants everyone to have a safe and fun Fourth of July but urges extreme caution. In addition to dry hot weather that always seems to accompany the Fourth, the state of Oregon has designated Josephine County as one of the most fire prone areas in the state.

Only Oregon legal consumer fireworks should be used and in the City of Grants Pass, only on the Fourth between 6pm and 11pm. Fire Marshal Pike points out even then there are places where the use of fireworks is illegal. “Fireworks are not allowed at any time, including the evening of the Fourth of July, in areas west of Highland Avenue, in areas west of Dimmick Street, the northwest part of town north of the railroad tracks, so its an area that’s bordered on the South by the railroad tracks and then by Dimmick and Highland running north to south. Also areas north of Interstate 5. Fireworks are not allowed to be used at any time nor are they allowed to be used in any City Park, or on any school property.”

Pike also urges having water hand, a charged hose or bucket of water, always supervise children closely.