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Police Try To Deter Illegal Firework Use
POSTED: 4:46 pm PDT July 4,
2008
UPDATED: 5:02 pm PDT July 4,
2008
VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Setting off illegal fireworks to celebrate Independence Day could lighten your bank account.Police and firefighters in Beaverton, Gresham and Portland are sending out patrols just for fireworks offenders.They’re teaming up to ticket anyone setting off fireworks that have been banned in Oregon.But some people said they’re willing to take the risk.
A lot of them, in fact, traveled across the border to buy fireworks that shoot high in the air and explode.Some of the shoppers said they’re ready to take the risk and set them off in Oregon, despite the chances of getting caught.There was a steady stream of people from Oregon all day Friday, buying fireworks at a tent in Washington; most of which are illegal in Oregon."It’s a chance we’ll have to take. Once a year, Fourth of July, celebrate our country’s birthday," Mack McCarthyThe people selling the fireworks said it's out of their hands once they've sold them, but they still try to offer a warning."(We) do get a lot of people from Oregon coming over buying fireworks, even though it's not technically recommended," fireworks salesman Nick Grier said. "It's not my problem, I give 'em a word of caution, 'Keep it in Washington,' but it's their discretion."Scofflaws could get a $100 fine in Portland for setting off illegal fireworks, and that number goes up to $400 for a third offense.People who work at the fireworks stand said those setting off fireworks should always keep a hose and a big bucket of water nearby, whatever state they're in.
Police Try To Deter Illegal Firework Use
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