Portland police have an urgent warning during one of the deadliest holidays of the year

The Portland Police Bureau is ramping up enforcement for the Fourth of July, a period notorious for impaired driving and fireworks-related accidents. Sgt. Kevin Allen warned that this weekend often sees spikes in fatalities, with an estimated 437 deaths projected on U. S. roads during the holiday.

Officers will patrol in both marked and unmarked vehicles, focusing on identifying drunken drivers and responding to illegal fireworks use, which is prohibited in Portland. Recently, a 20-year-old was cited for igniting fireworks beneath the St. Johns Bridge, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. The situation is exacerbated by recent deadly fireworks incidents in California, including a blast that resulted in a fatality and multiple injuries. Portland officials are urging residents to report illegal fireworks through an online tool rather than calling 911, which should be reserved for emergencies.

This guidance aims to ensure that emergency services remain available for critical situations. The police department's proactive measures underscore the serious risks associated with the holiday celebrations.