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City staff and providers outline wildfire, public-safety and animal impacts of fireworks ban; enforcement limited by staffing
Summary
Portland officials and outside experts briefed the Community and Public Safety Committee on the local fireworks ban, describing increased 911 call volume around July 4, health effects for veterans and people with PTSD, animal welfare harms, and enforcement limits because of staffing and administrative appeals.
City bureaus and outside experts told the Community and Public Safety Committee on June 24 that Portland's fireworks ban addresses documented safety and health harms but that enforcement is limited by staffing constraints and administrative appeal processes.
Interim Bureau of Emergency Communications Director Steve Maudsley said hourly 911 call volume nearly doubles on July 4 and July 5 and that last year the city saw an average of about 2,300 911 calls on July 4. He said the bureau is asking residents to reserve 911 for life-or-property threats and that a 311 reporting link for fireworks will be launched to route nonemergency complaints.
Fire Marshal Carrie Schimmel described fire risk in Portland's drought conditions and…
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