Coast Guard Redraws Fireworks Safety Zones on the Columbia River
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting June 29, 2026, the Coast Guard is updating safety zones 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 by controlling who can be near the fireworks during the shows—especially boaters and visitors in the area.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Uniform 450‑Yard Safety Zone Rule
Starting June 29, 2026, all annual fireworks safety zones in the Sector Columbia River COTP Zone are set to a uniform 450‑yard radius from each launch site. No person or vessel may enter these zones unless they get permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.
New Irrigon Watermelon Festival Zone
A recurring safety zone is added for the Irrigon Watermelon Festival fireworks that occur one day in July each year. The safety zone covers all navigable waters within 450 yards of the launch site at approximately 45°54'4" N, 119°29'15" W, and no vessel or person may enter without permission.
Westport Safety Zone Disestablished
The Coast Guard disestablishes the previously listed safety zone for the Westport 4th of July fireworks because that event moved inland and is no longer under Coast Guard authority or jurisdiction. The Coast Guard will no longer enforce a Coast Guard safety zone for that event.
Portland Rose Festival: Two Days of Fireworks
The Portland Rose Festival fireworks entry in the safety‑zone table is updated to occur on two days in May or June instead of one day. This means boaters and visitors in the Portland, OR launch area may be restricted for two days during May or June each year.
How to Request Entry: Updated Contact Info
Paragraph (f) now states vessel operators must get permission to enter safety zones by contacting on‑scene patrol craft on VHF Channel 13 or 16 or by calling the Coast Guard Sector Columbia River Command Center at (833) 769‑8724. That phone number replaces the previously inaccurate number.
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