Firefighters work to prevent 'people getting hurt' from fireworks, extreme heat

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Fourth of July can be a busy day for fire crews, especially when a heat wave is in the forecast in the greater Portland metro area and the surrounding region.

That's why Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue is sharing safety tips so people can enjoy the long holiday weekend without getting hurt or worse.

"There's always a higher incidence of people getting hurt or injured and these situations. Always with fireworks, our number of fires go up pretty dramatically on days like today," said TVF&R Captain Brandon Pratt.

TVF&R's Engine 50 took part in a neighborhood July Fourth parade in Tigard on Thursday. Fire crews showed kids the fire engine and shared important safety information.

One important step to avoid disaster happens after the fireworks are done — disposal.

"Have an adult take them, put them into a five-gallon bucket that is submerged in water and leave it in a place away from combustible materials for about 24 hours," Pratt said.

You should keep the bucket on the sidewalk, away from your home, as a safeguard since it's possible not all the fireworks went off and could cause a fire. After the 24-hour period in water, they can be disposed of like you would normal garbage. Dump the water onto the grass or other landscaping but never into the street.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, about 46% of Oregon is considered abnormally dry right now.

"I know our humidity this week is not as low as it could be, which would make things even worse. But it's still hot enough and dry enough that fires can and will happen," Pratt said.

A burn ban is in place right now in the metro area.

It's going to be a busy weekend for firefighters. Officials said it's important to only call 9-11 if it's an emergency.