The City of Bend has declared a local state of emergency in response to the extremely high temperatures. The emergency order includes mobilizing City resources to provide support services to unhoused community members and the immediate ban on the use of all fireworks – legal or illegal – within the City of Bend. Neighbors, please do your part to ensure the safety of our community – opt out of using fireworks this year! Start a new tradition with your loved ones this independence day, and stay cool! Read more about the Emergency declaration at https://www.bendoregon.gov/
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 28, 2021
From: Joshua Romero, Communications Manager
541-693-2185, jromero@bendoregon.gov
Contacts:
Jon Skidmore, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant City Manager
541-693-2175, jskidmore@bendoregon.gov
Gena Goodman-Campbell, Mayor Pro-tem
541-749-0638, ggoodman-campbell@bendoregon.gov
City of Bend declares local state of emergency in
response to excessive heat
The City of Bend has declared a local state of emergency in response to the ongoing
extremely high temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service Excessive Heat
Warning and the high risk for fire during this summer’s drought conditions. The emergency
order includes mobilizing City resources to provide support services to unhoused community
members and the immediate ban on the use of all fireworks – legal or illegal – within the City of
Bend.
“This heat is taking its toll on our community, especially those who are unhoused,” said City of
Bend Chief Operating Officer and Assistant City Manager Jon Skidmore. “We need our public
resources focused on supporting our community and saving lives right now. Allowing fireworks
during this drought would create unnecessary fire risk and stress our limited public safety and
water resources even more.”
The declaration of a local state of emergency is effective immediately and remains in effect
through July 9, 2021. It allows for temporary emergency policies to respond to the crisis and
preserve limited public safety and water resources.
Responding to Public Health Emergency
The City has been in contact with other local public entities as well as service providers who
serve the unhoused members of the Bend community. That coordination has resulted in
opening cooling shelters, but the City may require more flexibility to assist with meeting the
immediate needs of the community during this emergency.
Under the emergency order, the City may relax, adjust, or waive any requirements, standards,
criteria, or application of the Bend Municipal Code, Bend Development Code, or other
regulations for the purpose of addressing the public health emergency caused by this extreme
heat.
Fireworks
Professional fireworks displays at Vince Genna Stadium (July 3) and Pilot Butte State Park
(July 4) will continue as scheduled. These professional fireworks displays have been approved
by the State Fire Marshall and Bend Fire & Rescue. They include plans to reduce the risk for
fire and quickly respond to any fire incidents related to the events. The use of all other
fireworks in Bend is banned through July 9.
Under the emergency order, use of any fireworks is a class A civil infraction and carries a
penalty of a fine up to $750. The City is asking for the community’s support in keeping Bend
safe by complying with the ban on fireworks.
Community members are encouraged to report the use of fireworks via email at
fireworks@bendoregon.gov. Use of fireworks posing an immediate risk to persons or property
are emergencies and should be reported by calling 911. Response to all 911 calls for service
are based on priority.
Emergency Order Talking Points
What is the local state of emergency?
The City of Bend has declared a local state of emergency in response to the ongoing extremely
high temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warning and the
high risk for fire during this summer’s drought conditions. The emergency order includes
mobilizing City resources to provide support services to unhoused community members and the
immediate ban on the use of all fireworks – legal or illegal – within the City of Bend.
What does this emergency order do?
– Bans the use of all fireworks in Bend immediately through July 9. This emergency order
does not ban the purchase or sale of fireworks considered legal in the state of Oregon.
– Allows the City to relax, adjust, or waive any requirements, standards, criteria, or
application of the Bend Municipal Code, Bend Development Code, or other regulations
for the purpose of addressing the public health emergency caused by this extreme heat.
When is the emergency order in effect?
Immediately through July 9, 2021.
What has the City done so far for the public health crisis?
The City has been in contact with other local public entities as well as service providers who
serve the unhoused members of the Bend community. That coordination has resulted in
opening cooling shelters, but the City requires more flexibility to assist with meeting the
immediate needs of the community during this emergency.
What is the penalty for using fireworks between now and July 9?
Under the emergency order, use of any fireworks is a class A civil infraction and carries a
penalty of a fine up to $750. The City is asking for the community’s support in keeping Bend
safe by complying with the ban on firework
How do community members report fireworks use?
Community members are encouraged to report the use of fireworks via email at
fireworks@bendoregon.gov. Use of fireworks posing an immediate risk to persons or property
are emergencies and should be reported by calling 911. Response to all 911 calls for service
are based on priority.
What do I do with legal fireworks I’ve already purchased?
Don’t use them between now and July 9. Using fireworks during this local state of emergency
carries the possibility of a class A civil infraction and a fine up to $750. Use them when drought
conditions no longer exist and the risk for starting a fire is low.