You can also subscribe without commenting. In the confusion, others fled blindly, finding themselves trapped in places like bathrooms with no means of escape. A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. WFD Battalion 1, parking at the CIR, was confronted by injured seeking help. INTERCITY traffic was continuous and frequently overlapping. The Rhode Island State Police (RISP) report confirmed that when Engine 4 arrived, multiple victims were trapped on top of one another in the front door. He asked that the court have mercy on Biechele. Great White Play North Dakota Gig With No Social Distancing, Masks The Mandalorian Season Three Gets Off to a Disappointing Start Raymond Mattera, father of Tammy Mattera-Housa, who died in The Station nightclub fire, holding a newspaper photo of the fire, pleads with the fire commission to change the fire laws Thursday, May 22, 2003. A fast-moving fire engulfed the club in 5 minutes. Additional resources were also requested from the scene by out-of-town chiefs via their respective proprietary frequencies and cellular phones. Wearing a sleeveless shirt that displayed her many burn scars, she sang an emotional version of Save Your Love.. Mitt Romney, right, shakes hands with mourners following remembrance services at the Rhodes On The Pawtucket hall, in Cranston, R.I., Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. At 2323, Rescue 1 notified FA that 10 victims were being transported, with five in critical condition; four rescues were on scene; at least 10 more were needed and they had 50 to 75 injured. Key Findings. There were guys with tears streaming down their faces, Lardie said. All rights reserved. Do you want to stay up to date of all the news about Rhode Island? A few weeks after The Station nightclub fire, The Journal observed that the state fire marshal's office had been "slowly starved by budget cuts." In 1991, it had 10 fire inspectors; by 2003 . >> YOU NEVER WANT ANOTHER FAMILY MEMBER TO GO THROUGH WHAT MY FAMILY WENT THROUGH THEN. That was my therapy.. A program from a 2005 hospital safety seminar about The Station fire noted that no amount of training could have prepared the fire department for what it encountered. Built in 1946, the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. Fire department rescues assisted in transporting bodies. The exit near the bar had been locked with chains, in order to prevent people from sneaking into the club without paying. At 2313 hours, Ladder 1 staging on Kulas Avenue requested the fire alarm (FA) office to expedite rescues for serious burn victims (on side B). Shes still not sure why some of the 420 fans made it and some didnt. The objectives of the investigation were: The final report, "Report of the Technical Investigation of The Station Nightclub Fire (NIST NCSTAR 2), Volume 1 and Volume 2 ," includes details of the investigation as well as NIST's recommendations. Eagan moved to Nevada six weeks ago. They suceeded . A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. As he stands just outside the showroom, a photographer with the casino offers to take the albums backstage, though he cant guarantee theyll be signed. Four listed thermal burns as the main cause. Claire Hoogasian attended court proceedings for Michael and Jeffrey Derderian. Steven Ayer, of West Warwick, R.I., displays photographs of his daughter Tina, 33, near the site of "The Station" nightclub, Feb. 21, 2003. We were so used to drama, and we were so used to problems and hospitals and wheelchairs in airports just all this extra stuff that almost became, like, normal, Kendall says. Victims were evaluated and transported from there until triage was consolidated at the CIR. A band that was performing that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage platform. Jeffrey Derderian received a 10-year suspended sentence, three years probation, and 500 hours of community service.Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of those who lost their lives in the fire. Some were lying on the ground, inside vehicles, in pickup truck beds and seeking relief from burns in snow banks. Kulas Road is about 33 ft east of the side bar exit. A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. Longley, 31, was one of the 100 people to die. Eagan, standing near the exits, hangs out with Lardies girlfriend while Delgado grooves closer to the stage, recording some of the performance with his iPad. By 2330, three handlines and master streams from Engines 2 and 4 were in service on side A. There were 462 people in attendance, even though the club's official licensed capacity was 404. Description of The Station Nightclub and the Feb. 20, 2003, Fire. The flames were at first thought to be part of the act; only as the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to billow did people realize the nightclub was on fire. SERA: THE FIRE STARTED BY PYROTECHNICS DURING A SHOW SOME VICTIMS PERISHED IN THE FIRE, OTHERS IN THE RUSH TO ESCAPE THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR, WHILE AT LEAST ONE OF THE CLUBS FOUR FIRE EXITS WAS LOCKED. But he didn't know what. 3 min read. WFD Engine 9 assisted moving scores of victims in the streets. The band had actually split in 2001. More than 460 fans had crowded into the wooden, single-story, 4,480 -square-foot nightclub known as The Station in West Warwick, R.I., to enjoy a Thursday night show on Feb. 20, 2003. The Station Nightclub Fire Memorial in West Warwick RI #stationnightclub #stationmemorial Matthew Street 11K views 3 years ago A Brief History of: The Olympic Pipeline Disaster 1999. The DHS report stated a cascading telephone call-back system was used. "The message is, 'Don't forget.' INTERCITY radio traffic confirmed Metro Control requesting fill-in companies from Coventry and East Greenwich; departments designated by the mutual aid box system to move up on the third and fourth alarms. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time The previous grandfather clause (ceiling fire sprinklers were not required for buildings built before 1976) was lifted and all public facilities over a certain capacity were forced to install automatic sprinkler systems. Its kind of a sacred place.. Also, off-duty members monitoring personal scanners began returning. Fire quickly ravaged the nightclubs wooden single-story structure; it only took five minutes for the unprotected building to be engulfed in flames. Survivors' injuries mirrored those of the deceased. Two minutes after the Desert Moon kickoff, the camera catches a haunting visual patrons stuck in a doorway, piled like wood, as black smoke billows over their heads. The Great White Nightclub Fire: Ten Years Later, Robert Cray on His New Album and Appearing in Animal House, Foo Fighters Rehearsing for New Album, Says Guitarist, The Most Awesomely Eighties 1980s Music Videos, Jason Derulo Pens First Book 'Sing Your Name Out Loud', Wizkid More Love, Less Ego Tour Postponed to Fall 2023, A Year After Brain Injury, Amy Grant Sets First Solo Musical Return in a Decade, Blink-182 Postpone First-Ever Latin America Tour Dates Following Travis Barker Finger Injury, Raye Relives Her Sexual Assault in Harrowing 'Ice Cream Man' Video, How to Watch 'The Mandalorian' Online: Stream Season 3 Now, Alex MurdaughCalled 'Family Annihilator' by Prosecution in Murder Trial. Making a profit was more important than safety (see the Cocoanut Grove Fire, 1942; The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, 1911; The Iroquois Theater Fire, 1903; the Beverly Hills Supper Club Fire, 1977; the Rhythm Nightclub Fire, 1940--all overcrowded firetraps). The DHS report Annex A Fire Department Operations acknowledged maintaining accountability on scene and determining what local resources were still available was challenging. One hundred people lost their lives in the fire. This fellowshipping, the strength it has in the healing is amazing. A band that was performing that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage platform. On Wednesday I will share a few photos from the venue. Michael Derderian received 15 years in prison, with four to serve and 11 years suspended, plus three years probation. Twenty-eight were dispersed in the B/C areas, which lacked exterior doors and windows. The Station nightclub fire footage. 4. to confirm your email address. The horrific fire claimed the lives of 100 people while another 230 were injured. WFD Engine 1, ordered to the B side, laid a 300-foot, large-diameter supply line and directed its deck gun toward the front-door area from an elevated position on Kulas Avenue. After dark it becomes a nightclub, where visitors can dance to live music or a DJ, check out the art, eat, drink, and hang out with friends. Even with the strides made toward improving safety in assembly occupancies, we are reminded that this battle is far from won. On Feb. 20, 2003, the nation's fourth-deadliest nightclub fire occurred in the Town of West Warwick, RI, killing 100 people and injuring nearly 300. The professional association representing West Warwick firefighters was offered the opportunity to comment for this article, but declined to respond. As months and years passed, lawsuits and criminal charges were filed against the Stations owners and Great Whites tour manager. Its that moment of love and acceptance and forgiveness it just enveloped all of us. Claire Hoogasian displays outside Kent County Superior Court in Warwick, R.I., Sept. 29, 2006, a T-shirt and necklace honoring her son Michael and daughter-in-law Sandy Hoogasian, both who died in the 2003 fire at The Station nightclub. But the group wouldnt escape their new, dark association. Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele is shown in this Dec. 9, 2003,photo in a West Warwick, R.I. booking mug. This is a huge fire hazard when a bunch of people are attempting to stampede out of a building because there is no way . But inside, a flashover spread rapidly along flammable foam used as insulation. For those of you who may not be familiar with this tragic event, I am sharing some resources that I previously posted here on iDigHardware, along with some additional information. Egress from the nightclub, which was not equipped with sprinklers, was hampered by crowding at the main entrance to the building. The video below from the City of Mississaugas series On This Day in Fire History provides a good overview of what occurred at the Station Nightclub as well as some recommendations that could help save lives: The next time youre at a bar or nightclub (or any venue, really): An article from Building Safety Journal Remembering the Station Nightclub Fire details what went wrong at the Station Nightclub, lessons learned, and resulting code changes. While she has become friends with the band, Eagan said roughly half the survivors are angry at Great White. Like Great White, no matter how far from West Warwick she gets, the nightmare will always follow her. An October 2003 Health Care Industry publication noted that 17% of 196 burn victims were admitted into intensive care on ventilatory support. THEY CHOSE NOT TO PLAN IT FOR FEBRUARY FOR TODAY PRESUMING THAT THERE WOULD BE WINTER WEATHER. 2003, was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the band, Great White. "I come down every year and play the (bagpipes)," he said. SERA: SOME ARE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE VICTIMS WITH MUSIC INCLUDING QUINCY MASS FIREFIGHTER STEPHEN SWEET. Some communications between RCCs and agencies were made by landline. Initial reports said it was Kendall. You can enable JavaScript via your browser's preference settings. Turn on push notifications and don't miss anything! The approach emphasized the value of fire sprinklers as back-up protection for cases where other safety controls fail. The north-facing front door (the main entrance) of the nightclub was about 140 ft from Cowesett Avenue. Technically, it wasn't Great White that took the stage on February 20th, 2003 at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, RI. Im going to get the new album.. Replies to my comments The pyrotechnics ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. The fire spread quickly along the ceiling area over the dance floor. February 20 - The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island killed 100 and injured 230. On Feb. 20, 2003, the nation's fourth-deadliest nightclub fire occurred in the Town of West Warwick, RI, killing 100 people and injuring nearly 300. Remembering The Station nightclub fire, 20 years later 02:58 WEST WARWICK, R.I. - Paula Marchetti pulled up to The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island 20 years ago on February 20th to . The emotional and psychological impact and resulting post-traumatic stress of responding to this incident cannot be measured. Never forget these people or forget what happened." Both departments' apparatus remained on their respective frequencies with both chiefs operating jointly at the command post. On February 20, 2003, 100 people were killed and more than 200 were injured when The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, burned to the ground. Officials did not immediately identify the victims . Horrific tragedies such as the Station Nightclub Fire prove what can go terribly wrong when exits are not abundant and easily accessible, when exit doors swing inward, or when automatic fire sprinklers arent present. When we had this guy filling in while Jack was recovering, we realized, man, thats not normal. SERA: SWEETS COUSIN SHAUN WAS ONE OF THE LIVES LOST. This is a police photo of The Station nightclub owner Jeff Derderian taken Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at the West Warwick, R.I. Police Station. 100 lost their lives, and about half were injured, either from burns, smoke inhalation, or trampling. Throughout history, major fires resulting in large losses of life have occurred that have not only stirred the public conscience, but also moved the fire protection community to continue to refine our codes. In the crush, many could not get out.The exit near the bar had been locked with chains in order to prevent people from sneaking into the club without paying.A survivor claimed that she and her fianc had tried to escape through one exit, but were stopped by a bouncer stating that that door was "for the band only. The pyrotechnics ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. Within 90 minutes, about 200 injured were triaged and transported, mostly by fire department rescues and commercial ambulances; the balance in commercial and fire department buses and private vehicles. More than 460 fans had crowded into the wooden, single-story, 4,480 -square-foot nightclub known as The Station in West Warwick, R.I., to enjoy a Thursday night show on Feb. 20, 2003. Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of those who lost their lives in the fire at The Station nightclub Feb. 20, 2003. The methods in our existing codes are, based on sound protection principles that have, Refining the codes is a continuing process that, combines the technical advances of today with, present-day societal attitudes. there is one story of Mike Vargas who did indeed survive the burning pile up in the front doorway. 20th anniversary of Station nightclub fire: Remembering 100 lives lost. The fire chief was the only West Warwick firefighter allowed to be interviewed for the NIST and DHS reports. The Station nightclub fire killed 100 people and injured more than 200. Eighty-six causes of death were from the "inhalation of products of combustion and a super-heated oxygen-deficient atmosphere" (inhalation). The NIST report also cites numerous code infractions that contributed to the fire and the subsequent loss of life. A Providence Journal article stated when one first responder approached three co-workers at the scene, he said they wore the "thousand-yard stare" of horror. WEST WARWICK, R.I. The owners of The Station nightclub say their decision to finally speak publicly about the deadly fire there nearly . Fire survivor Jesse Botelho, 30, of Pawtucket, R.I. speaks to reporters near the remains of The Station nightclub. An off-duty career firefighter from a neighboring city assisted in stretching hose. Its been a very hard fight, band member Michael Lardie says before the Chumash show, in Santa Ynez, CA. Joe Barber, 30, of West Warwick, R.I. reacts with his bandaged hand in Warwick, R.I. Friday, Feb. 21, 2003 as he speaks about events during the deadly fire at The Station nightclub. Among the mourners who gathered Monday at Station Fire Memorial Park, which honors all of those lost in the disaster, was Stephen Sweet, a firefighter in Quincy, Massachusetts. Both NIST and DHS reports noted out-of-town chiefs and EMS supervisory personnel assisted the incident commander at the command post, acting as a resource group, serving as inter-agency liaisons and supporting functions such as communications, triage, supplies, staging, rehabilitation and public information. Some proposals recommended requiring fire sprinklers in all Group A occupancies, which essentially ties the requirement to an occupant load of 50, based on the definition of Group A, while others recommended tying the sprinkler threshold to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or the presence of live entertainment. And just seconds after the band launched into their first song, Desert Moon, pyrotechnics lit by their tour manager caused a fire to ignite toward the back of the stage. As operations slowed, a sweep ordered of the fireground and surrounding areas found additional injured victims. Backstage, Kendall drinks a Diet Pepsi and smokes an e-cigarette as he sits on a couch, his eyes hidden behind shades. Webmaster | Contact Us | Our Other Offices, Created June 3, 2011, Updated April 5, 2022, Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), About the Disaster & Failure Studies Program, Champlain Towers South Collapse NCST Investigation, World Trade Center Investigation Materials. The DHS report stated the medical examiner's office was overtaxed. Even with their new frontman, he says, hes stoked that Great White is still around. The next time you're at a bar or nightclub (or any venue, really): Walk the layout of the building when you first arrive Look for two ways out of each room and identify marked fire exits Look for fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems If you notice Overcrowding Blocked or unmarked exits Fire hazards Anything that makes you feel unsafe LEAVE The DHS report stated the equivalent of a four-alarm structural assignment responded to the scene, for West Warwick station coverage and manpower relief. Two people died in an early morning fire Friday that heavily damaged a home in Cranston's Garden City neighborhood. In the panic to get out, many fell and were trampled. Answers to your door, hardware, and code questions from Allegion's Lori Greene. Pastor Dave LaChance, right, consoles Jack Russell, lead singer of Great White near the scene of a deadly fire at The Station nightclub. The Station nightclub fire adds to the long list of tragic nightclub fires. Documentary - Americas Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List, Where is Panic Hardware Required by Code? Michael Derderian received a 15-year prison sentence, with four to serve and 11 years suspended, plus three years probation. . The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) report had fire through the roof within five minutes of ignition. And new songs like Shotgun Willies have gotten decent radio airplay. The crew observed fire already through the roof and also was confronted by injured victims seeking medical assistance. 560K views 13 years ago buildingEXODUS V4.0 simulation of the Rhode Island nightclub fire. The fire spread quickly along the ceiling area over the dance floor. On December 30, 2004, a fire caused by pyrotechnics (fired by a patron of the club) resulted in 194 deaths and over 700 injuries in an overcrowded club in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The reduction of the sprinkler threshold for Group A-2 occupancies from 300 occupants to 100 occupants reflects a compromise that was reached among several competing proposals during the 20032004 code development cycle. As the fire raged inside . Throughout histo, ry, major fires resulting in large losses of life, have occurred that have not only stirred the, public conscience, but also moved the fire pro, tection community to continue to refine our, Refining the codes and standards is only part of, the solution. Only registered ICC members have access to this article at this time. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. A fast-moving fire engulfed the club in five and a half minutes, as 230 people were injured and another 132 escaped uninjured. Derderian was arraigned on 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter stemming from the fire at The Station nightclub in West Warwick on Feb. 20, 2003, that killed 100 people. Please enter your e-mail address below. NOTE: Many features on ICCSafe's website require JavaScript. to recommend any research and other appropriate actions needed to improve the structural safety of buildings, and improve evacuation and emergency response procedures, based upon the findings of the investigation. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. In the panic to get out, many fell and were trampled. Four engines and one tower ladder operating three deck guns, one ladder pipe and numerous 1-inch handlines were used in suppression operations. Kendall, who fought addictions before the fire, could have easily fallen off the wagon afterward. Via the INTERCITY, West Warwick requested three rescues from Cranston FA, which dispatched Rescues 2, 3 and 4 at 2321. Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of those who lost their lives in the fire. In the crush, many could not get out. THE FIRE On February 20, 2003 at about 11:10 p.m., Jody King got a call that something was going on at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. We have an absolute bond, he says. ' Lardie says. Fire officials quickly concluded that a sprinkler system would have most likely spared many lives the wooden Station nightclub was grandfathered into an exception for laws requiring ceiling fire sprinklers. Coming out of the fire and not having any lasting physical injuries other than some lung damage you spend a lot of time figuring out, Why not me? 159 125 125 comments Best Add a Comment TheRealMSteve 8 yr. ago Radio transmissions show West Warwick's Special Hazards, Rescue 2, Reserve Rescue 3, and Reserve Engines 5 and 7 responded. The Station Nightclub Fire: Revisiting the Lessons - Firefighter Training On February 20, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in United States history. In an ironic twist of fate, a news team was onsite, filming a story on nightclub safety. "The message is, 'Don't forget.' These tragic fires and the accom, panying loss of life often result from the same, contributing factors which include highly com, bustible interior finish, combustible contents, including decorative features, lack of properly, designed and adequate egress systems, and, overcrowding of occupants. During its show at the Chumash, the band open with Desert Moon, the tune that kicked off pandemonium in February, 2003. Due to the large number of deceased, teams made multiple recoveries. Engine 4, Engine 1 and Ladder 1 personnel advanced handlines to the front entryway where trapped occupants were being subjected to flame impingement. The medical examiner's 2003 grand jury testimony, released in 2007, revealed autopsy results for 98 victims. I didnt even know these people. Chief 1 assigned two safety officers, one each from Warwick and West Warwick. In assembly occu, pancy fires, many of these contributing factors, have been addressed in the codes for genera, tions. Smiling wildly, the fired would-be apprentice is more impressed with Great White than he was with Donald Trump. WFD Rescue 1, monitoring radio traffic and knowing it was shift change at Kent County Hospital, had FA notify Kent of the situation; hence, the hospital was double staffed. It is the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in American history. In the crush, many could not get out. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Another stated that only four hospitalized victims expired, which was attributable to the airway-management skills of the EMTs and emergency physicians. Some agencies radioed both West Warwick and Metro Control on the INTERCITY to offer assistance. The fire spread quickly along the ceiling area over the dance floor.
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