Case Study: The Causes of Station Nightclub Fire, West Warwick, RI

Have you ever heard the idea that those who don’t learn from history will be doomed to repeat it? George Santayana is credited with this phrase, and it can be applied to many, many situations.  There’s a lot we can learn from history, and if we are wise, we will look at past events, learn our lessons, and be sure to not make the same mistakes.  In particular, in the case of fires, we can study fires in American history, ascertain causes, and learn from those missteps. One recent fire that we can study and learn from is the fire at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island.

The fire at the Station Nightclub occurred on February 20, 2003.  This was one of the most tragic fires in our nation’s more recent history.  One hundred individuals died and 230 more were injured. On that night in 2003, a live band was performing at the club, and as part of their entertainment, they employed the use of fireworks. While the band was on stage, insulation that surrounded the stage, which was made of foam, was set on fire from the fireworks.

It didn’t take long at all for the fire to move from the foam to the ceiling, causing clouds of smoke fill the nightclub. Upon seeing this fire develop in front of their eyes, the audience frantically ran for the exits as the flames consumed the building. Tragically, there were many casualties from this disaster.

By observing the chain of events that occurred during this fire, we can learn some lessons that can be applied to public fire safety.  As the main cause of the fire was combustion of the foam insulation from the fireworks, we clearly see how important fireproofing a building is.  These materials were not treated with flame repellents, as is required in NY.  Here, fire codes demand that decorations, hangings, drapes, and curtains must be treated with fire retardants. Had the Station Nightclub implemented these flameproofing practices, this fire might have been prevented or at least slowed down, and lives might have been saved.

There were also other fire prevention issues that were neglected.  The Station Nightclub did not have an automatic fire sprinkler system installed.  Additionally, exits signs for alternative ways to leave the building were inadequate; consequently, the terrified audience raced to the main entrance/exit which created a blockage, preventing a safe escape. The nightclub was not technically overcrowded, but it had reached maximum capacity, which made an orderly, safe egress unlikely.

Here at NYC Flameproofing, we are well aware of what a difference properly flameproofing a building can make. In the case of the Station Nightclub, it was literally the difference between life and death for many patrons.  Fireproofing the decorative items in the nightclub would have slowed down the fire and could have prevented the disaster and loss of life.

We are happy to help you with all of your flameproofing needs.  NYC Flameproofing serves the Metro NYC area, and we have a stellar reputation as a premier flameproofing company. We take pride in legally and safely flameproofing business establishments in the NYC area so tragedies like the Station Nightclub fire do not occur again.  Please call us today so we can discuss your needs and give you a free, no-obligation estimate: (800) 291-0904

Source