Portland firefighters prepare for firework-related calls, despite city ban [Video]

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – The City of Portland has a complete ban on fireworks, though not everyone follows those rules

Fireworks purchased outside the city started 33 fires last year in Portland on the Fourth of July, with most of them coming from Washington state.

Mean Gene’s Fireworks is one of a dozen fireworks shops along Interstate 5 just north of the Washington border. Gene Marlow has been at the same spot for years, with a loyal customer base.

“Oh, we definitely get some Oregon folks, especially since Portland did away with fireworks that used to be legal for 50 years,” Marlow said. “People wanna do their fireworks and they’re just gonna come over and see us.”

Marlow has plenty of safety tips for first-timers.

“We recommend you have a charged garden hose with a nozzle ready to go. Use these things as directed. They are safety tested. They are pretty safe when used as directed,” he said.

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