Man Injured by Illegal Fireworks Speaks Out

The man says he never made the connection that buying illegal fireworks really means they're illegal.

Salem-News.com

(FLORENCE) - A Florence man recovering from a painful epiphany wants others to learn from his near death experience with illegal fireworks on the fourth of July.

While family and friends watched, a burning mortar hit him then bounced into nearly 400 rounds of fireworks igniting them all.

"I thought I was going to die in the fire," confesses James Motts, a single father.

Motts has been driving to Washington to purchase fireworks from the Chehalis tribes since 1991.

He doesn't blame the tribes for his misunderstanding and says it's his responsibility to know the rules.

"We've got to make sure consequences are well known by everyone. It's not just injuries; there are all kinds of legal consequences, too."

Oregon tribes don't sell fireworks said Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief John Buchanan. He feels the Chehalis tribe bear responsibility to ensure consumers understand which fireworks are illegal once they leave the reservation.

"Fire and police officials need to work side by side with communities to educate and enforce," said Buchanan.

Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation including possession of illegal fireworks and endangering life and property.

Offenders may be arrested as well.

Any fireworks causing damage or misuse of fireworks carries a liability for the offender, who may be required to pay for resulting fire or other damage.

Parents, too, are liable for fireworks damage caused by their children. Costs may include assessed fines as well as the cost of suppressing fireworks-caused fires.

Parents putting children at risk may also face charges of recklessly endangering their own children.

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The current fireworks laws in Oregon are antiquated and inadequate. Legislators should relax restrictions on aerial fireworks. Many more citizens of this state ignore current fireworks laws. Injuries will continue to happen with fireworks as they are very dangerous. Education and training have consistently proven to be the most effective means of reducing fireworks injuries. States that ban all fireworks, like New York or New Jersey spend large sums of money on anti-fireworks task forces that have little to no effect on the flow of "illegal" fireworks. Injury statistics are as high or higher in these states. Fireworks in the US are already fiercely regulated by the consumer product safety commission for quality and safety. The states should recognize this and embrace consumer fireworks as a healthy, creative outlet of patriotic expression.

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