The city of Mercer Island will once again allow the sale of fireworks, beginning June 28 and lasting through July 4.

This year, the City Council will delegate its authority to issue fireworks sales permits to Fire Chief Steve Heitman.

In its June 11 mini planning session, the City Council showed support for granting the fire chief the authority to sign fireworks sales application permits, provided all application requirements are met. The council also showed support for granting Heitman the authority to ban the discharge of fireworks due to extreme fire danger.

Deputy Mayor Debbie Bertlin noted that historically there’s been one location where fireworks have been sold on Mercer Island. By Heitman’s estimation, the number of Island vendors has gone up to between three and five.

Bertlin also pointed out that while it’s typically been Island nonprofits that have requested permitting for the sale of fireworks, anybody who meets the criteria for the sale of fireworks must receive approval. Violators would be liable for a $500 fine for each violation.

Correction: Heitman stated that there are three to five potential sites on the Island for vendors, not that the city has that many vendors currently. This year, there is only one vendor and it is the Masons/Kiwanis/VFW group.