Oregon has fairly strict laws pertaining to the types of fireworks that are allowed. Sparklers and stuff that sits on the ground is OK, but bottle rockets, Roman candles and all of the big airborne stuff is illegal.
Problem is, that stuff isnt illegal in Washington...so all the fireworks stands on the Vancouver side of the river do a brisk business selling the dangerous stuff to Oregonians who take it all back home, act like idiots, and wind up losing fingers and eyes or starting roofs, fields and forests on fire.
If it were up to me, each town would set aside a designated area where these types of dangerous fireworks are allowed and there would be fire department and ambulance personell standing by to deal with any problems. Any use of dangerous fireworks outside of this area would continue to be illegal.
They are illeagel in Washington. But you can still buy them there because a clever group of people who read the laws and find the loop hole around them. That hole is certain reasons why you would " own " them. Alike Florida here, they are illeagel, but you can buy them. When you go those stores, they present you a paper to sign and a box section to check on why you are buying fireworks. Such examples are to scare away birds and varmits, or to legally have a permit to put on a show. Theres about 5-6 other reasons.
I always check the scare away birds and varmit. You can own them, but using them whenever for the hell of it is illeagel. And I think Washington has a strict law on them that you cant even use sparklers, fountains etc etc.
Such stores that offer these goods, example
Phantom Fireworks : America's Fireworks Company. These guys are awesome.
As for your suggestion, a " designated area ". Thats a brillant idea! People can use whatever they want, and others can come out and get a free show out of it. I could even see people talking to each other like human beings again, and not on their damn phones all the time. Thats what America needs again, a good old fashion 4th.
