Coast Guard Updates Safety Zones for Annual Columbia River Fireworks

The Coast Guard is updating its regulations for recurring fireworks displays along the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. The new rule establishes a permanent safety zone for the Irrigon Watermelon Festival, which was previously managed as a temporary restriction. It also removes the safety zone for the Westport 4th of July celebration because that event has moved inland and is no longer on the water.

Why it matters: This is primarily an administrative update to keep regulatory text current with actual event schedules and locations. For most boaters, the practical effect is minimal; you will just need to know the specific dates and coordinates for Irrigon and Portland if you plan to be on the river during those times. The Westport zone closure no longer applies because that event is not happening on the water anymore.

Who it affects

• Vessel operators navigating the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington during specified summer holidays

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This rule was published by the Coast Guard in the Federal Register; readers should verify specific dates and coordinates in the official document before planning navigation.

Agency: Homeland Security Department, Coast Guard
Source: Federal Register — read the official document