By Amy Sienicki
 
July 1, 2009
 
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. - As weather warms up and the 4th of July holiday nears, fire officials are warning people to be careful with fireworks.
 
In Oregon it is illegal to use fireworks on forested lands, whether it be private, industrial, federal, or state. If you do use fireworks in legal areas, fire officials say it's important to set them off in a green, safe place, not in areas where the grass or brush is dry. They also recommend keeping a bucket of water or hose close by just in case.
 
"People need to be aware we're in moderate fire danger now, but it could switch to high anytime," said Greg Alexander with the Oregon Department of Forestry.
 
According to ODF numbers, in 2008 24 wildfires were caused by fireworks on its protected lands. Those fires burned more than 40 acres and cost more than $40,000 to put out.