Coast Guard Tweaks Fireworks Safety Zones on Columbia River
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to update safety rules for annual fireworks shows along the Columbia River. They’re adding a new safety zone, removing one that’s no longer needed, renaming a display, and adding a second date for another. These changes keep everyone safe and informed, and you have until March 19, 2026, to share your thoughts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
New Irrigon fireworks safety zone
If you operate a vessel near Irrigon, OR, the Coast Guard proposes a safety zone for the Irrigon Watermelon Festival fireworks that occurs one day in July. The zone would cover all navigable waters within 550 feet of the launch site at approximately 45°54'3.72" N, 119°29'15.36" W and no vessel or person may enter without permission from the Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River.
Expanded list of Columbia River safety zones
The rule would designate safety zones in waters of the Columbia River and its tributaries, the Siuslaw, Yaquina, Umpqua, Clatskanie Rivers, Tillamook Bay, and the Washington and Oregon coasts within a 450-yard radius of listed launch sites in Table 1. Persons and vessels would be prohibited from entering these safety zones unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River.
Westport 4th of July zone disestablished
The Coast Guard proposes to remove the safety zone for the Westport 4th of July fireworks because that event moved inland and is no longer under Coast Guard authority, so vessels would no longer be subject to that Coast Guard safety-zone restriction.
Portland Rose Festival adds second fireworks day
The Portland Rose Festival fireworks will be listed as occurring one day in May and one day in June (instead of one day in May or June), creating an additional day when a safety zone will be in effect at Portland, OR (approx. 45°30'58" N, 122°40'12" W).
Coast Guard certifies minimal small‑business impact
The Coast Guard certified under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because the zones cover small areas for a few hours, vessel traffic can transit around them, they occur during normally low-traffic periods, vessels may request permission to enter, and Broadcast Notices to Mariners will be issued.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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