Nov. 18, 2025 — Redmond, Ore. The Redmond City Council passed Ordinance No. 2025-21, prohibiting the use of any fireworks within city limits except on July 4.
The ordinance, approved during a council meeting, makes permanent a temporary emergency ban implemented earlier in the year amid high wildfire risks. Councilor Cat Zwicker stated,
“We took what we did with the emergency ban and made it permanent.”
Mayor Ed Fitch noted,
“Legal fireworks are allowed on July 4th—something residents ask about every year.”
The measure aims to mitigate risks of wildfires, property damage, and personal injury from unregulated fireworks use, according to city officials.
This follows an emergency declaration approved unanimously on July 1, 2025, banning personal fireworks use effective 12:01 a.m. July 5, due to recent wildfires, including one in Dry Canyon ignited by fireworks. Mayor Fitch explained at the time,
“We tried to balance the safety of the community with the investment people have already made to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.”
Redmond Fire & Rescue Chief Ryan Herrera added,
“The fire danger in our community is undeniably high this summer.”
The July ban remained in effect until the outdoor burn ban was lifted later that fall.
In recent months, the council addressed public input on the proposed ban, with discussions held as early as November 2024.
As of January 2026, Mayor Fitch has fielded questions on enforcing the ban, emphasizing community safety during holidays.
