Lincoln City Firework Regulations

FIREWORKS ARE PROHIBITED IN LINCOLN CITY

The sale, offer for sale, possession, and use of fireworks is prohibited everywhere within the city of Lincoln City - including all private and public property (such as beaches, streets, and parks). Violators will be fined and/or prosecuted for lighting any type of firework here.

Why are traditional fireworks an issue?

Even though Lincoln City’s past fireworks shows operated in accordance with fireworks regulations, they still release plastic, gun power, heavy metals like lead, copper, cadmium, titanium, and aluminum, and toxic chemicals into Siletz Bay, the Wildlife Refuge, the Taft District and Salishan Spit. These contaminants impact air quality, wildlife, waterways, soil and human health. Simultaneously, there’s growing concern among City councilors, staff and citizens about the impact that fireworks have on public safety and law enforcement. While professional shows are allowed within fireworks regulations, police have stated that City-sponsored fireworks make it more difficult to justify and enforce the ​fireworks bans for the general public. Sponsoring fireworks is counterproductive to City efforts to educate against the use of personal fireworks. In addition, Salishan Spit, the traditional fireworks launch site, is an exceptionally sensitive area. The spit is vulnerable to erosion and the show has negative impacts on wildlife in that area.

Why is Lincoln City Changing Its Fourth of July Celebration?

Lincoln City is leading the way to a more environmentally friendly Independence Day celebration starting in 2025. Instead of fireworks, we will be staging an innovative drone show. We are making this change in response to growing community concerns about the environmental and wildlife impacts, public safety issues, and wildfire risk that can be caused by traditional fireworks shows. We’re excited to be addressing these concerns while offering an exciting new celebration format for aerial entertainment. By embracing this new technology, we’ll be protecting Siletz Bay, Salishan Spit, the Wildlife Refuge and the Taft District from harmful chemicals and debris while supporting law enforcement's fireworks regulations, reducing fire risk during Oregon's dry season, and creating a more inclusive celebration that's easier on veterans, pets, and wildlife.

What is a Drone Show?

The drone show Lincoln City has planned for 2025 is a choreographed display of 200 drones, each fitted with brilliant LED lights that create stunning, precise formations, shapes and animations in the night sky, synchronized to music. These shows serve as a contemporary alternative to traditional fireworks displays, offering a unique, customizable, and eco-friendly form of entertainment.

How Does This Benefit our Community?

This eco-friendly Drone Show eliminates chemical pollutants and debris, reduces fire risk, creates less disturbance for veterans and pets, and protects our local wildlife while maintaining the festive spirit of Independence Day