FLORENCE (AP) — Fireworks sales begin Monday in Oregon at stands in parking lots and along roads.

The selection this year is expected to be similar to last year’s.

Siuslaw Valley Fire Chief John Buchanan said things that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or more than 12 inches into the air are illegal.

Buchanan said it makes no sense to teach kids not to play with fire 51 weeks each year and then for a week or so in the summer to “hand them a book of matches and tell them to have at it.”

He prefers large, public fireworks displays, but says that if you are going to use fireworks, use only legal ones.