Happy Valley Residents Turn In Thousands Of Dollars In Illegal Fireworks Ahead Of Fourth Of July (Photo) -07/09/25
Thank you, Happy Valley!
Thanks to the cooperation, responsibility, and community spirit of our residents, the City of Happy Valley is proud to share the success of this year’s Fireworks Amnesty Program. In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, individuals turned in thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal fireworks—enough to fill two oversized trash bins-at the Community Policing Center.
This no-questions-asked initiative provided residents a safe and anonymous way to do the right thing, helping prevent dangerous fireworks from being used in our neighborhoods. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together for the good of all.
“This is the 15th year of Happy Valley’s Fireworks Amnesty Program, and each year we’ve seen our community step up,” said Steve Campbell, Public Safety Director for the City of Happy Valley. “This year was especially impressive-one of our largest turn-ins to date. We’re grateful to our residents for choosing safety, compassion, and responsibility.”
Launched in 2010, the Fireworks Amnesty Program is part of a larger public safety strategy that has positioned Happy Valley as a statewide leader in fireworks education, enforcement, and harm reduction. With more than a decade of consistent outreach and action, the City continues to demonstrate how local government and residents can work together to protect people, property, and pets.
As part of our commitment to education, the City also offers a Fireworks Diversion Class to individuals cited for illegal firework use. This course provides an opportunity to reduce the fine while gaining valuable insight into the broader impacts of fireworks misuse. The class is taught by a team of local professionals including a Fire Prevention Officer, a Police Officer, an educator from the Oregon Burn Center, a veterinarian, and a military veteran. Each brings a unique perspective, speaking to the real-life harm illegal fireworks cause-from burn injuries and fire damage to trauma experienced by pets and veterans with PTSD.
The City’s goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires, lessen the distress fireworks can cause to individuals with mental health challenges, and minimize the anxiety loud explosions cause for our pets. We know that creating a safe, livable, and inclusive community takes effort from everyone-and this year, you delivered.
This effort is part of a broader citywide safety initiative that also included patrols by specially trained Fireworks Task Force Officers over the holiday weekend. Use or possession of illegal fireworks in Happy Valley carries a $1,000 fine and could result in criminal charges.
To those who participated in the amnesty program: thank you for making the responsible choice and putting community safety first. Your actions made a difference.