Transcript National Fire Sprinkler Association presents,

National Fire Sprinkler
Association Presents
Rhode Island Nightclub Tragedy
“Lessons Learned”.
By Richard Skinner
Northeast Regional Manager
1
RI Nightclub Fire
“ The Station” 2/20/03
 At
least 96 people were killed after a
Cowesett Avenue nightclub burst into
flames during a pyrotechnics display at a
rock concert igniting the deadliest fire in
Rhode Island's history and the nation's
worst nightclub fire in 25 years.
2
The Station Nightclub
The building housing The Station was
constructed in 1950. An addition was built in
1975.
 Town records indicate the building has 4,484
square feet of rentable space and has a total of
6,278 square feet, according to town records.
The building value was assessed at $268,400.
 The building had a total of (4) Exits. The Main
entrance was located North facing the street,2
were located in the northwest portion behind
the bar and the last one was located Northeast
3
by the Stage.

“Big White” Performing at the
Station Nightclub
Pyrotechnics were running at the upper left
4
Unfortunately History repeats itself!!
Some of the deadliest fires at U.S. clubs and dance
halls:
•491 dead, Cocoanut Grove club, Boston.
•Rhythm Night Club dance hall in Natchez, Miss.
•Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Ky.
•Happy Land Social Club in The Bronx, New York.
•West Plains, Mo., April 13, 1928 (explosion).
•32 dead, Upstairs Bar in New Orleans, Arson.
•25 dead, Puerto Rican Social Club in The Bronx,
•24 dead, Gulliver's Discotheque in Port Chester, N.Y.,
June 30, 1974. Arson fire in nearby bowling alley spread
to disco.
5
6
7
CBS TV NY Interview
regarding RI Fire Test.

We conducted a simulation of
the nightclub using similar foam
to show the effectiveness of fire
sprinklers in an A-2 Occupancy.
 We used"3-inch thick uncovered
polyether
 (pure polypropylene
oxidepolyol) foam cushions
having a density of 1 to 1.25
pounds per cubic
foot measuring 36 by 40
inches."
8
What lessens have we learned?

There would have been a
major impact if the
building was protected by a
Fire Sprinkler System.
 We must look at the current
Fire and Building Codes
being used in all states and
determine if the occupancy
load thresholds are too
high.
 (In many cases they are).

We must examine the
triggers in which a
Sprinkler System would be
installed such as the square
footage.
 We must make certain that
construction Trade Offs are
used in conjunction with
the codes to construct these
buildings.
9
What Lessons have we
learned?
 All
places of assembly must be protected by an
automatic sprinkler system regardless of square
footage and or occupant load.
 All interior draperies and soundproofing must be
made of fire retardant material.
 The area leading to Exit Discharge shall be capable
of empting 50% of the posted occupancy.
 The Main Exit shall be capable of empting 50% of
10
the posted occupancy.
NY State Amendment to the IBC/IFC

1.
2.
3.
A-2 Nightclub- 903.2.1.2- An automatic Sprinkler
System shall be provided for group A-2
occupancies where (1) of the following conditions
exist:
The fire area exceeds 5,000 Square Feet (464.5 M).
The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more.
The fire area is located on a floor other than the
level of exit discharge.
11
Richard Skinner
Contact Information

Office (845) 878-4200 Ext.116
 Fax
(845) 878-4215
 E Mail [email protected]
 Website www.nfsa.org
12
Thank You
For your participation in
today’s seminar
13