Should Portland permanently ban fireworks? Hardesty says yes Portland had banned the usage and selling of fireworks prior to the Fourth of July holiday. Fire officials said it seems to have had an impact. Author: Devon Haskins Updated: 8:10 PM PDT July 9, 2021 Portland had banned the usage and selling of fireworks prior to the Fourth of July holiday. Fire officials said it seems to have had an impact. Between June 23 and July 6, what fire officials call "fireworks season," there were around 80% fewer fires this year compared to 2020. "Are we looking at banning fireworks permanently? Yes." said Portland city commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who oversees the fire bureau. "As fire commissioner I do not have the authority to ban fireworks. The mayor has the authority to ban fireworks, which he did in time to have an impact on last week."