Oregon State Parks will close the road to the summit of Pilot Butte to vehicle traffic today to allow the city of Bend to prepare its July 4th fireworks display.

Fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 10 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release from the Bend Fire Department and Oregon State Parks.

Pedestrians can continue to use the road and trails until 10 p.m. Wednesday. However, the summit of Pilot Butte will be closed while authorized personnel set up for the display. People who attempt to enter the closed areas could receive citations for trespassing, according to the press release.

On July 4th, the main parking area at the base of Pilot Butte off Linnea Drive will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. No pets are allowed because many are scared of fireworks. Also, fireworks are prohibited in the parking lot.

No parking is allowed along Linnea Drive or Arnett Way, because public safety agencies need to maintain emergency access to the butte.

Pilot Butte will reopen on Friday afternoon.

— Bulletin staff report