Case Study: The Causes of Iroquois Theatre Fire, Chicago, IL

In taking a look at fire prevention, it sometimes helps to go to the other side and look at the causes of fire. This can help us understand what happened and learn what not to do. As we analyze fires throughout history, assessing the causes will aide us in prevention. There are certain fires where, if items in that building had been fireproofed, the fire could have been prevented or at least may not have been as severe. One major fire that occurred in the U.S. was at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, IL back in 1903.  As one of the deadliest fires in our history, we can learn a lot from this tragic disaster.

The fire at the Iroquois Theater is one of the tragic disasters in American history.  At this theater, a section of the muslin curtain caught fire due to a lamp that shorted out. The fire quickly spread up to the fly gallery, where thousands of square feet of flammable scenery was hung.  The flames started to come out from the half-lowered curtain, and mayhem then ensued.

Fear-stricken patrons were in a panic to leave. People were trampled as others tried to exit in a frenzy.  Even more were trapped in dead ends as they tried to leave through windows that were decorated to look like doors.  And as others tried to get out through the exits, their paths were blocked bars that at the stairways. As a result, hundreds of people were trapped inside.

The worst loss of life occurred at the bottom of these blocked stairways.  Tragically, this is where many people were crushed, trampled or suffocated.  In all, 605 people lost their lives.

The cause of this fire was the shorted lamp that set the curtains on fire.  If flameproofing techniques were available during that time period, this fire could have been prevented or at least slowed down.  In this scenario, fireproofing would have made an enormous difference, and hundreds of lives could have been spared.

According to FDNY regulations in effect now, decorations, scenery, curtains, draperies, and hangings need to be treated with flame repellents.  While there were other significant issues that contributed to the severity of the fire such as unclear exits, no sprinkler systems, blocked egress routes due to bars on the stairs as well as patrons sitting in the aisles, flameproofing all of the decorative items would have made a significant difference.

By looking at this fire, we can see just how important fireproofing a building can be.  When the items in a building are properly flameproofing, it can make the difference between a major fire, a minor fire, or a prevented fire.  Its importance cannot be overstated. At NYC Flameproofing, we can help you with all of your fireproofing needs.   Please call us at (800) 291-0904 for a free, no-obligation estimate.  We would love to help you keep your building safe.

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