The Station Nightclub Fire Evaluation By: Nickolas Hatinger Megan Vivian

Introduction The Station nightclub Fire ignited by pyrotechnics Warwick, Rhode Island February 20, 2003 Fire ignited by pyrotechnics 100 fatalities and 200 injuries NIST, (2005) NIST, (2005)

Structural Layout and Materials Built in 1946 Minimal remodeling 1-story wood frame Area of 412 m2 4 doors 2 sets of windows on north face Interior Combustibles Polyurethane foam lining Ceiling tile, wood paneling, carpet, and gypsum board NIST, (2005)

Timeline of Events Human Response Fire Growth No initial reaction 30 seconds: people began to evacuate dance floor 2/3 of the total 450 attempt to egress through the front entrance Crowd crush develops 90 seconds: toxic levels inside were beyond human tolerance 96 people perished in the fire 4 later died due to injuries Fire Growth Pyrotechnic display ignited two points of the polyurethane foam lining on both of stage Ceiling and wall materials ignite 41 seconds: fire alarms and emergency strobe lights 90 seconds: 1 foot of black smoke formed on ceiling 5 minutes: flames reaching outside of the building

Location of Recovered Victims NIST, (2005)

Fire Service Response 60 seconds: Rhode Island Emergency 911 Center notified 5 minutes: First response team arrived 6 minutes: First use of water Focused on aiding victims at front entrance Multi-county collaboration from EMS

Fire Protection Features Fluorescent exit signs above each door Fire extinguishers Fire alarms and emergency strobe lights No sprinkler system (not required per code) Exit Sign Fire Extinguisher Fire Alarm Strobe NIST, (2005)

Aftermath Structural Effects Casualties NIST Investigation 25 minutes: flames visible from roof 45 minutes: major portion of main roof collapsed 60 minutes: sunroom roof collapsed Most of structure eventually destroyed Casualties 100 fatalities 200 injuries NIST Investigation Owners charged with 100 involuntary counts of manslaughter

NIST Investigation Computer Modeling Smoke and fire spread 90 seconds: temperatures and heat fluxes at levels that lead to incapacitation or death Egress Simulations Minimum egress time was estimated to be 188 seconds Not all people would have been able to evacuate Presuming two exit doors clogged within 30 and 90 seconds, egress time was 341 seconds

NIST Demonstration Sprinkler system significance NIST, (2005)

NIST Recommendations Forbid materials which easily ignite and rapidly propagate flames All nightclubs should have sprinkler systems Increasing the factor of safety on egress times Strengthening pyrotechnic device provisions

Conclusions Flammable materials led to rapid fire growth Inebriated patrons Poor egress considered natural human tendencies (evacuating through front door) Sprinklers could have prevented flashover and reduced causalities