Fire Chief Prohibits Discharge of Consumer Fireworks for 2024 Due to Water Supply Shortage, Council Considering Permanent Ban

As part of the City’s ongoing response to the SPU water pipeline that is out of service, Mercer Island’s Fire Chief has issued an order prohibiting the discharge of consumer fireworks this year. This is necessary to protect the Island’s fire response capabilities during periods of extreme fire danger.

The fireworks ban follows an emergency declaration issued by the City of Mercer Island today, May 1, due to the Island’s reduced water supply while we receive water through a smaller backup line. This backup line will not keep up with summer water demand.

Mercer Island is one of the few cities in King County that permits the use of at-home fireworks. At the recommendation of the City Manager and with support from the Fire Chief and the Police Chief, the City Council will consider an ordinance at its May 7 meeting to adopt a permanent ban on the sale and discharge of consumer fireworks. If passed, this ordinance would go into effect in 2025. The proposed permanent ordinance would not ban professional fireworks displays, which require specific fire prevention and safety measures.

Remember, the use of fireworks is prohibited this July 4 under the Fire Chief’s order, however, it will remain legal to sell consumer fireworks on Mercer Island on June 28, 2024, from noon to 9:00pm and from June 29, 2024 through July 4, 2024 from 9:00am to 9:00pm. The Fire Chief’s authority to prohibit discharge of fireworks during periods of extreme fire danger does not extend to prohibiting sale of fireworks.

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). The Washington State Patrol has a handy chart of what these items are: https://www.wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Consumer-Fireworks-Legal-in-Washington.pdf

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: If a permanent ban is adopted by City Council, will I be able to buy fireworks on Mercer Island in the future?
No. The ordinance that City Council will consider prohibits both the discharge and sale of fireworks on Mercer Island. If that ordinance is adopted, 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.