Rhode Island Nightclub Fire Incident Essay -- essays research papers

The nightclub, is an aged small wood structure in Rhode Island. The club is reported to have a capacity of 182 people. On February 20th 2003, more then 400 fans packed into the small club to see a band. Although there are discrepancies between reports of how many people were in attendance, it is obvious that the number is well over twice the club's capacity. During the performance, as part of the act, pyrotechnics were deployed. The pyrotechnics were gerbs. Gerbs are cylindrical devices that are designed to make a spray of 15-foot plumes of sparks for 15 seconds. Gerbs are befitting for use indoors, as long as the appropriate precautions are taken. The pyrotechnics ignited a polyurethane (egg crate foam) material that is used for packing and product display--but not for "sound proofing," as it was used lining the stage. Considering that this foam is not intended for use as a sound treatment in buildings, it was not treated with fire retardants. Due to the size and age of the building (built before 1976), safety regulations said that the nightclub did not have to have a sprinkler system, and it thus did not have one. The fire originating on the stage quickly filled the club with toxic smoke from the burning polyurethane and other building materials. In the shear moment of panic, the people caused a scene of chaotic proportions: stampeding towards the only exit they knew--the way they got in. Over 400 people all trying to get out one door at the same time caused a massive pileup trapping the majority of people inside. Just prior to the fire department arriving on scene the super heated gases trapped in the building ignited causing what is called a â€Å"flashover." Temperatures exceeding 932 to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit inst... ... these pyrotechnics in this situation would have been revealed before the show. Lastly, the enforcement of the capacity—the number of people allowed in club would have dramatically decreased the number of fatalities and injuries in this incident. In conclusion, it is clear that situations like this could easily be prevented with a few vitals steps. The first step in the line of prevention is restriction of flammable materials in nightclubs and other buildings, especially in enclosed spaces. Second is the installation of fire prevention systems—fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire alarms with early notification to the local fire authorities. Also, the prevention of using dangerous pyrotechnics in enclosed spaces is imperative. Finally, the need for sufficient exits is vital to the safety of the people in any building, especially a crowed nightclub.