Wildfires are currently ravaging our state. And, while some are caused by Mother Nature, many, including the one devestating our Historic Columbia Gorge, are the result of human carelessness. In the case of the Eagle Creek Fire, that carelessness involved fireworks. For far too long, the unrestricted public use of fireworks has terrorized our communities. They not only can lead to catastrophic fires in our pristine forests but: they pollute our air and common thoroughfares; harass our veterans, individuals suffering from PTSD and other mental illnesses, pets, and wildlife; disturb our peace by turning otherwise serene neighborhoods into what amount to war zones; cause injury or even death; and threaten our property and shared spaces. It's past time to distinguish this hazardous nuisance once and for all. Leave pyrotechnics to the professionals in safe settings, under safe conditions, during scheduled, advertised, and rare events, wherein they can be potentially enjoyed by more and their threat to person, animal, and property properly mitigated. Join me in preserving the common good and protecting the way of life and natural resources all Oregonians cherish.