For now, Mercer Islanders can legally discharge fireworks on the Fourth of July within the city limits.

However, with forecasted scorching weather potentially presenting a fire risk, Mercer Island Fire Department (MIFD) Interim Chief Jeff Clark may enact an emergency declaration under city code prohibiting the discharge of fireworks on the Island, according to a city press release.

“We’re taking a really strong look at what is the reality of fire danger. If the chief gets information from the state and regional authorities saying, ‘It’s a really high danger to the public,’” he will make the call to prohibit fireworks, said Mason Luvera, the city’s communications manager.

MIFD is monitoring the situation based on established metrics by state and regional authorities regarding vegetation moisture, temperature and humidity.

As the situation presently stands, residents may only discharge state-legal “safe and sane” fireworks from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4. City staff encourages residents and Island visitors to celebrate the day safely at home or if they’re out in the community.

“We want everyone’s Fourth to be filled with a ton of fun, not fires,” Clark said. “The extreme weather over the next few weeks may push fire danger over the edge. We’re monitoring the science and recommendations from regional authorities to make an informed decision that keeps our community safe.”

Park property and school grounds are off limits for discharge of fireworks. On the 4th, the Mercer Island Police Department will enhance its staff to widely patrol the Island for violators, and Parks and Recreation officials will surveil parks throughout the 12-hour period.

The city issued the Mercer Island Kiwanis Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5760 an operational permit for fireworks sales, with operations conforming to state and city permit restrictions.

The duo will sell items from June 29 through July 4 at its TNT Fireworks stand fundraiser in the parking lot of the Rite-Aid at 3023 78th Ave. SE. Hours will be from noon to 6 p.m. on June 29-30; noon to 8 p.m. on July 1-3; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4.

Proceeds from the fireworks sale help provide services to a plethora of Mercer Island and Eastside community organizations serving youth, including the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club, Mercer Island Schools Foundation, Kindering, Eastside Baby Corner, the Mercer Island High School Key Club, and the Lakeridge Elementary K-Kids.

“It is especially important this year that our friends and neighbors support our MI Kiwanis/VFW’s fireworks stand so that we can help the most vulnerable members of our community as they struggle to get back to normal and put COVID behind them,” said Carol Mahoney, president of the Mercer Island Kiwanis Club, which was chartered in 1960 and has provided community service throughout its existence.

For fireworks safety information, visit https://www.mercerisland.gov/fire/page/fireworks-safety