What Scenery Needs to Be Flameproofed?

By taking a peek through our nation’s history and the occurrence of some devastating fires, we see that several of them occurred during entertainment performances. The Brooklyn Theater fire, the Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago, and the Station Nightclub fire in Rhode Island are just a few examples.  Because settings and scenery are changed and switched based on a particular performance, it’s easy for non-permanent structures to be overlooked.  However, it is vital that items that fall under the category of scenery be treated with fire retardants in the same way that permanent fixtures are.

According to FDNY regulations, buildings that use items that are classified as scenery, such as theaters, restaurants, concert halls, catering halls, and nightclubs must be flameproofed. These scenery-type items must either be inherently non-combustible or have Class-A flame spread rating. If not, those items must be treated with flame repellents. However, there are times when the fire commissioner may provide an exemption from these regulations if there is an equal measure of fire safety provided.

When flameproofing a set for a performance, there are some measures that are considered best practices. When applying fire retardants to sets and scenery, it is better to do this before the materials are painted or sealed. If not, the flame repellents may not be absorbed properly into the wood or other materials. If the painting has already occurred, certain flame repellents have a clear acrylic mixed in that can help with absorption.

Sometimes, a business will hold outdoor events.  Items used for those public gatherings such as umbrellas, fabric awnings, canopies or decorations all need to be inherently non-combustible or treated with fire retardants as well.  Any event that requires a permit such as a sidewalk cafe needs to comply with these flameproofing guidelines. These rules apply to special effect design sites as well and include flameproofing treatments or inherent non-combustibility of curtains, sets, scenery, clothing, tablecloths, and rigging materials.

Set and scenery flameproofing presents a different set of challenges, but the importance of having these items treated cannot be overstated. The thorough treatment of all items pertaining to this segment of the entertainment industry is paramount in the saving of lives in the event of a fire. History has reminded us of the devastation that can occur when there is a lack of flameproofing.

NYC Flameproofing is an industry-leader in flameproofing in the Metro NYC area. We are here to help you tackle the challenges that might be involved in flameproofing transitory items such as sets and scenery.  Please call us today for a free, no-obligation estimate so we can help keep you and your patrons safe from the threat of fire: (800) 291-0904

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