City Council Unanimously Adopts Ban on Discharge and Sale of Consumer Fireworks

At the May 7 regular meeting, the Mercer Island City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 24C-10 permanently prohibiting the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks beginning in 2025. The adoption of this ordinance follows recommendations from the City Manager, Fire Chief, and Police Chief.

The need to prohibit consumer fireworks on Mercer Island arises from the significant safety risk to users, the burden they place on our City’s fire and emergency services, and the noise pollution they cause for neighbors, pets, and veterans. The Island’s Climate Action Plan states that hotter, drier summers are making wildfires more likely, even in our semi-urban environment. Our fire department notes that 911 calls surge significantly on July 4 primarily due to emergencies related to the use of fireworks. Almost all other cities in our region have banned the use and sale of fireworks in recent years.

The Council considered these factors before delivering a unanimous vote to adopt a permanent prohibition on fireworks.

This ordinance does not ban professional fireworks displays, which require specific fire prevention and safety measures to be in place. The City will continue to permit appropriate public fireworks displays that meet City code requirements, including the annual Summer Celebration fireworks display.

Because state law dictates that this type of ordinance cannot take effect until at least one year after adoption, the changes made by the Council’s adoption will not begin until 2025. However, the discharge of fireworks is still prohibited in 2024, following an order previously issued by the Fire Chief.

2024 Order Prohibiting the Discharge of Consumer Fireworks

On May 1, 2024, Mercer Island’s Fire Chief issued an order prohibiting the discharge of consumer fireworks this 4th of July due to extreme fire danger – this danger is related to the reduced supply of incoming water caused by SPU’s primary water supply pipeline being down. The order was issued alongside Emergency Proclamation No. 329, which outlines the water emergency.

While the City code allows for the Fire Chief to prohibit the discharge of fireworks due to extreme fire danger, this does not extend to the sale of fireworks. It will remain legal for vendors to sell fireworks this year, even though their use is prohibited on Mercer Island.

More Information

Links to documents and a list of frequently asked questions are available here on Let's Talk. If you have questions or need additional information, you can contact the City’s Customer Service Team by email or phone: 206-275-7600.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why has the City imposed a fireworks ban for 2024?
Due to the reduced water supply to the Island while the SPU pipeline is out of service, it’s essential that we protect the community and reduce the risk of fire and other emergencies to the extent we are able. It is essential we have sufficient water supply to fight fires and discharging fireworks poses significant risk of fire that we must avoid.

Q: What fireworks are included in the ban?
The prohibition applies to all consumer firework products as defined by the state’s RCW 70.77.136 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.77.136).

Q: Will I still be able to buy fireworks this year?
This ban on discharging fireworks in 2024 does not extend to the sale or purchase of fireworks on the Island.

Q: Will I be able to buy fireworks on Mercer Island in the future?
No. The ordinance that City Council adopted prohibits both the discharge and sale of fireworks on Mercer Island beginning in 2025. Residents will not be able to purchase fireworks on the Island in 2025.

Q: What steps are being taken to ensure the Island is safe this summer?
This fireworks ban is a critical step to ensure our community stays safe, especially when our water resources are reduced this summer. In addition, the City is considering water conservation measures to help manage demand during the summer months, so that we have sufficient water supply to sustain water quality, safety and firefighting requirements.

Q: When will water conservation measures start?
The City is currently coordinating its plan on water conservation measures. It is likely that they will be implemented in June. These measures may include reducing garden and lawn irrigation, running the dishwasher and washing machine only with a full load, using commercial car washes that recycle water, and reducing personal water use wherever possible.

Q: How long will water conservation measures last?
We expect water conservation measures to last through the late summer as SPU and the City continue their efforts to repair the Island’s main water supply line.