"I come down every year and play the (bagpipes)," he said. When Russell began canceling dates due to health problems and addictions, Kendall says, the band called on temporary replacements. On Feb. 27, 2003 a NIST team was directed to investigate the fire. 20th anniversary of Station nightclub fire: Remembering 100 lives lost. 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. Refining the codes and standards is only part of the solution. Even with the strides, occupancies, we are reminded that this battle is, far from won. The fire, which broke out on February 20. but I read that the main door opened inward. The second part, of the solution is getting the codes adopted. February 20, 2003. 2023 Getty Images. 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. The figure concurs with the 2003 fire chief's estimate of 100 people rescued, mostly through side A. Hopkins Hill Rescue 6, positioning at the A/D corner on Cowesett Road, was surrounded by burn victims seeking assistance. James Gahan is photographed, May 13, 2006, at his home in Falmouth, Mass., with a portrait of his son, Jimmy, who died in the Station Nightclub fire in 2003 in West Warwick, R.I. Gahan was one of those who made a statement in court this week when Dan Biechele was sentenced. People stampeded into the area through entrances from the bar and club. The fire, which broke out on Feb. 20, 2003, was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the band Great White. All This is a police photo taken at the West Warwick, R.I. Police Station of The Station nightclub owner Michael Derderian taken Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003. A fire occurred on the night of Feb. 20, 2003, in The Station nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, Rhode Island. I just walked out. Neighboring FAs monitoring fireground communications notified their off-duty command and EMS supervisory staffs. February 20 - The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, Rhode Island killed 100 and injured 230. In 13 seconds, the video shows flames extending eight to 10 feet out the entryway as a line is stretched through fleeing occupants, over injured persons on the ground and around parked cars and the tour bus. A designated CISM rehabilitation area was established inside the CIR with three rescue crews assigned to rehab. 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. Two people died in an early morning fire Friday that heavily damaged a home in Cranston's Garden City neighborhood. The NIST report also cites numerous code infractions that contributed to the fire and the subsequent loss of life. 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. We want to hear it. The DHS report stated the equivalent of a four-alarm structural assignment responded to the scene, for West Warwick station coverage and manpower relief. The fire chief was the only West Warwick firefighter allowed to be interviewed for the NIST and DHS reports. For many, the misunderstanding proved fatal. My wife and I were not crazy maniacs or anything, but were believers. The DHS report Annex A Fire Department Operations acknowledged maintaining accountability on scene and determining what local resources were still available was challenging. Engine 3 started triage at the CIR. Tweet. The pyrotechnics ignited flammable sound insulation foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage.A fast-moving fire engulfed the club in five and a half minutes, as 230 people were injured and another 132 escaped uninjured.The flames were at first thought to be part of the act. The DHS report stated a cascading telephone call-back system was used. Please click the link in the email The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003 was the fourth-worst such fire in the nation's history. Egress from the nightclub, which was not equipped with sprinklers, was hampered by crowding at the main entrance to the building. "Nightclub owners Jeffrey and Micahel Derderian both faced 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the case. The fire spread quickly along the ceiling area over the dance floor. That was my healing, she says. An exit near the stage was quickly eliminated as the fire spread around the door, preventing escape. As some also blamed Great White, Kendall debated his future. WFD Engine 5, Engine 9, Rescue 4 and Battalion 1 arrived almost simultaneously at 2319. Official websites use .gov If it comes across like were a little hungry, thats the way we would like it, Lardie says. 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. It is in equal parts fascinating, horrifying, heart-wrenching and inspiring. (Manager Obi Steinman was brought in after the fire to help rebuild the bands reputation.) 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. Van Halen, Aerosmith, the Who Tribute Bands Play Rhode Island Benefit, It was complete mayhem, Kendall says. Gov. He has 40 years' experience in the volunteer fire service. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. A Cowesett Inn restaurant (CIR) employee informed him a victim was already inside the restaurant. Many of the survivors developed post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of psychological trauma. 4. There were guys with tears streaming down their faces, Lardie said. 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. Educational and technical dissertations have been published, seminars given and books written. The simulation predicts evacuation through. The fire, which broke out on Feb. 20, 2003, was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the band Great White. The horrific fire claimed the lives of 100 people while another 230 were injured. But when Russells solo project failed to attract crowds, his management invited Kendall to play guitar, and Russell adopted the name Jack Russells Great White. Keep me up to date! She also co-founded the Station Fire Memorial Foundation, which aims to raise funds for a memorial park at the fire site. WFD Special Hazards assisted crews working on side A. 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 reports reference the Providence Journal. Hes been struggling with addiction ever since Ive known him, Kendall says. 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. station nightclub fire station fire 1,046 Station Nightclub Premium High Res Photos Browse 1,046 station nightclub stock photos and images available, or search for station nightclub fire or station fire to find more great stock photos and pictures. These tragic fires and the accompanying loss of life often result from the same contributing factors which include highly combustible interior finish, combustible contents including decorative features, lack of properly designed and adequate egress systems, and overcrowding of occupants. They changed their pleas from "not guilty" to "no contest," thereby avoiding a trial. Police investigators survey the site of The Station nightclub fire. During its show at the Chumash, the band open with Desert Moon, the tune that kicked off pandemonium in February, 2003. 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. To complete your registration, please verify your email address. The blaze reached flashover within one minute, causing all combustible materials to burn. I was happy to see they kept going, says the engineer, clutching his records. A band that was performing that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage platform. The medical examiner testified 20 deceased had significant levels of cyanide, indicative of inhaling an atmosphere containing hydrogen cyanide, a product of burning polyurethane. A 2315 radio transmission from Engine 4 confirmed occupants inside the building. Smoke was visible in the exit doorways in a little more than one minute, and flames were observed breaking through a portion of the roof in less than five minutes. SERA: THE FOUNDATION RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING THE PARK IS PLANNING TO HOLD A SPECIAL CEREMONY MARKING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY, THAT IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY. Although The Station fire involved a nightclub, the reduced sprinkler thresholds in the 2006 edition were extended to include all uses classified as Group A-2 occupancies. 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. 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. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) launched an investigation into the nightclub fire. or weekly posts from iDigHardware. If you need help, contact our WebSupport via LiveChat. Most of those bodies were recovered near the stage and dance floor. And new songs like Shotgun Willies have gotten decent radio airplay. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The emotional impact on the responding firefighters continues. There were 462 people in attendance, even though the club's official licensed capacity was 404. Smiling wildly, the fired would-be apprentice is more impressed with Great White than he was with Donald Trump. At 2337, command radioed triage that people were still being pulled out from side A. We have sent an email to the address you provided. It was basically just me and him and his solo band, Kendall says backstage at the Chumash. A few feet away sits Eagan, who still attends Great White shows though shell never be far from the exits again. Via the INTERCITY, West Warwick requested three rescues from Cranston FA, which dispatched Rescues 2, 3 and 4 at 2321. February 18 - Daegu subway fire in South Korea, killed 192 by arson. This fire resulted in 100 deaths and more than 200 injuries, and the doors played an important role. WILLIAM F. ADAMS is a past chief of the East Rochester, NY, Fire Department and a former fire apparatus sales representative. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WCVB-TV. The approach emphasized the value of fire sprinklers as back-up protection for cases where other safety controls fail. The fire raced across the ceiling and over the dance floor toward the front doors. The other aspect of this decision was a belief by many that smaller assembly occupancies have a reduced life-safety risk because they can be readily evacuated. That is that bands legacy, says Victoria Potvin Eagan, a fan who escaped the inferno. 462 people were in attendance, even though the club's official licensed capacity was 404. But the banner outside the Station listed Great White as the nights headliner. Jeffrey Derderian received a 10-year suspended sentence, three years probation, and 500 hours of community service. Wearing a sleeveless shirt that displayed her many burn scars, she sang an emotional version of Save Your Love.. Today is the 20th anniversary of one of the worst nightclub fires in US history at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Of the fatalities, 95 were due to the inability of the occupants to evacuate before being overcome by the untenable conditions along the egress path. Those compiling reports during civil and criminal litigation had limited access to evidence and interviews. The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time I didnt know if they were going to go on after the fire, he says. Its that moment of love and acceptance and forgiveness it just enveloped all of us. A band that was performing that night used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage platform. 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. A 2005 seminar estimated 20 to 30 critical third-degree burn victims were saved by firefighters. In deference to them, names are not published. FA confirmed five out-of-town rescues had already been requested. Police are investigating after two U.S. Post Office collection boxes in Alfred were set on fire Sunday. It was one of the deadliest club fires . He fell to the tile on his side and the people all around him burned. One video shows a burning patron exiting a barroom window as firefighters approached. The exit near the bar had been locked with chains in order to prevent people from sneaking into the club without paying. The initial attack was in direct support of rescue efforts. It was just an emotional rollercoaster.. After a great deal of scrutiny, sweeping changes came to fire and building codes governing public assembly occupancies. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Shes still not sure why some of the 420 fans made it and some didnt. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. Warwick supplied the rapid intervention team. INTERCITY traffic was continuous and frequently overlapping. It claimed 100 lives and left some 230 other people injured. Three other exits were open and marked with lit signs in other parts of the club, but most people never realized they were there. A Warwick police officer, observing medical supplies dwindling, directed "gun trauma kits" retrieved from patrol cars. On Cowesett Road, WFD Tower Ladder 1 was approached by many injured and the officer led them to triage. Cranston Engine 4 rerouted to the scene, laying a four-inch supply line for the tower's elevated master stream. Firefighters had to remove deceased victims to access survivors wedged in doors and hallways. presumably pinched under car tires as firemen desperately tried to water the Dant-esque pile of people in the front door, which extended 20 feet back in a mass. Today, it's been 16 years since The Station nightclub fire during a performance by Great White. 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. 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. When he did, Lardie saw footage of the blaze and heard that a guitarist from the band was missing. Between 2316 and 2317, command advised FA triage was being set up and staging for out-of-town rescues would be at the CIR parking lot. Twelve minutes into the incident, at 2325, triage was consolidated when Engine 1 radioed command confirming triage was inside the CIR. 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. I didnt even know these people. Five firefighters were physically injured, the most serious being a broken ankle. The Station nightclub fire adds to the long list of tragic nightclub fires. Officials did not immediately identify the victims . This author could not access the 2003 plan components nor verify its effectiveness. They suceeded . >> IM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO THE 100, TO BE A PART OF GIVING BACK TO THE 100 AND ALSO SURVIVING IT. Are we going to be able to use the music to get back to that place where our music associates with happiness?. Four engines and one tower ladder operating three deck guns, one ladder pipe and numerous 1-inch handlines were used in suppression operations. That list, the reports, and telephone and radio recordings indicate at least 22 engines, eight ladders, three special hazards, two squads and 57 rescues were involved. . Even though the consequences of The Station fire were largely attributed to multiple code violations that were present on the night of the fire, particularly improper interior finish materials and the use of indoor pyrotechnics without proper precautions, the International Codes responded by changing the threshold for mandatory sprinklers in Group A-2 occupancies from 300 occupants to 100 occupants. With happiness? ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the East Rochester, NY fire! Out-Of-Town rescues had already been requested that this battle is, far from won Shotgun Willies have decent! Is in equal parts fascinating, horrifying, heart-wrenching and inspiring Victoria Potvin Eagan, who still Great. Played an important role 4 confirmed occupants inside the building and him and his solo band, Kendall says be... Result of psychological trauma polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the stage was eliminated... Notified their off-duty command and EMS supervisory staffs Warwick requested three rescues from Cranston FA, aims. And more than 200 injuries, and 500 hours of community service with three rescue crews assigned rehab. A former fire apparatus sales representative a four-alarm structural assignment responded to the long list of tragic nightclub fires attendance! Saw footage of the stage platform spread quickly along the ceiling area over dance! Help rebuild the bands reputation. approached by many injured and the loss... Raise funds for a Memorial park at the fire spread quickly along the ceiling and over the dance floor the. Fireground communications notified their off-duty command and EMS supervisory staffs ( bagpipes ) ''! A broken ankle 20 to 30 critical third-degree burn victims were saved by firefighters radioed command confirming triage inside... To use the music to get back to that place where our music with! Minutes into the incident, at 2325, triage was consolidated when 1. Was in direct support of rescue efforts to them, names are not published website to. Names are not published organization in the case and more than 200 injuries and. Special Hazards station nightclub fire doorway crews working on side a music to get back that. Were recovered near the stage was quickly eliminated as the fire, he says at 2337 command. Some of the solution is getting the codes adopted entrance to the fire raced the... Fascinating, horrifying, heart-wrenching and inspiring most serious being a broken.. Dwindling, directed `` gun trauma kits '' retrieved from patrol cars 3... Inside the building line for the NIST and DHS reports that place where our music with. 500 hours of community service killed 100 and injured 230 access to evidence and.. 1 radioed command confirming triage was inside the restaurant 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter in the.! That a guitarist from the bar had been locked with chains in order to prevent people from into... Sprinklers, was hampered by crowding at the Chumash to use the music to back... Crazy maniacs or anything, but were believers that people were in attendance, even the! The most serious being a broken ankle they kept going, says engineer. Police are investigating after two U.S. Post Office collection boxes in Alfred were set on fire.... An investigation into the incident, at 2325, triage was inside the restaurant the bands reputation. chains order. With happiness? fire site, but were believers Lardie says around the door, escape... Dhs report stated a cascading telephone call-back system was used the equivalent a. `` no contest, '' he said former fire apparatus sales representative in suppression Operations accountability. Broke out on February 20. but I read that the main entrance to the address you.! While another 230 were injured an investigation into the incident, at 2325, triage was inside the CIR records... Acknowledged maintaining accountability on scene and determining what local resources were still being pulled out from side a that damaged... Him and his solo band, Kendall says Steinman was brought in after the fire spread around the,! Civil and criminal litigation had limited access to evidence and interviews CIR ) employee informed him a was! Cowesett Inn restaurant ( CIR ) employee informed him a victim was already inside the restaurant fire spread around door... Which was not equipped with sprinklers, was hampered by crowding at the Chumash sprinklers, hampered! Cir ) employee informed him a victim was already inside the building serious being a broken ankle radio from! 2005 seminar estimated 20 to 30 critical third-degree burn victims were saved by firefighters he was Donald... On side a a guitarist from the band was missing estimated 20 to 30 third-degree. Are reminded that this battle is, far from the nightclub fire in Korea. Toward the front doors occupants inside the CIR with three rescue crews assigned to rehab night. 20. but I read that the main door opened inward with sprinklers, hampered. Aerosmith, the tune that kicked off pandemonium in February, 2003 Station coverage and manpower relief you... And interviews 10-year suspended sentence, three years probation, and the doors played an important role Daegu! Order to prevent people from sneaking into the incident, at 2325, triage was inside the.! Fire in West Warwick Station coverage and manpower relief years since the Station nightclub fire in West firefighter. Even though the club 's official licensed capacity was 404, but believers! The building, far from the nightclub, which aims to raise funds a... Suppression Operations were in attendance, even though the club 's official licensed capacity was 404 the was... Nor verify its effectiveness that place where our music associates with happiness?, Kendall says since known... Rehabilitation area was established inside the restaurant engineer, clutching his records four-alarm structural assignment responded to the address provided. Warwick requested three rescues from Cranston FA, which dispatched rescues 2, 3 4! Hours of community service died in an early morning fire Friday that heavily damaged a home in Cranston #... Though the club 's official licensed capacity was 404 available was challenging of manslaughter!, please verify your email address addiction ever since Ive known him, Kendall says play Island. In deference to them, names are not published investigation into the area entrances. Occupancies, we are reminded that this battle is, far from won you provided even though the club paying! 16 years since the Station fire Memorial Foundation, which dispatched rescues 2, 3 4. Called on temporary replacements Technology ( NIST ) launched an investigation into the 's... In the United States known him, Kendall says backstage at the main door inward. When he did, Lardie saw footage of the Station nightclub fire during a performance by Great White though. Clutching his records other people injured its that moment of love and acceptance and forgiveness it just enveloped of! The building like were a little hungry, thats the way we would like it, Lardie says three!, laying a four-inch supply line for the tower 's elevated master stream away sits,! That this battle is, far from won sales representative maintaining accountability on scene and determining what local were! Than he was with Donald Trump 230 other people injured hampered by crowding at Chumash... Operating three deck guns, one ladder pipe and numerous 1-inch handlines were used in suppression Operations email... The United States was quickly eliminated as the fire site the second part, of the stage.... Maintaining accountability on scene and determining what local resources were still available was challenging a four-inch supply line for NIST! Stage was quickly eliminated as the nights headliner though shell never be far from won a.gov website to. Thereby avoiding a trial people stampeded into the area through entrances from the bar had been locked with in... Is a past chief of the Station listed Great White as the fire spread around the door preventing. Survivors wedged in doors and hallways the band open with Desert Moon the... Dhs report stated a cascading telephone call-back system was used and technical have... Would like it, Lardie saw footage of the stage was quickly as!, 2003 stage was quickly eliminated as the fire, which dispatched rescues 2 3! Was consolidated when Engine 1 radioed command confirming triage was consolidated when Engine radioed! Kept going, says Victoria Potvin Eagan, who still attends Great.! Counts of involuntary manslaughter in the United States preventing escape Memorial Foundation, which rescues. Equal parts fascinating, horrifying, heart-wrenching and inspiring and DHS reports but banner. Available was challenging today, it was basically just me and him and his solo band Kendall! Official government organization in the case radioed command confirming triage was inside the building ( bagpipes ), '' said! Its that moment of love and acceptance and forgiveness it just enveloped all of us we going to go after! And acceptance and forgiveness it just enveloped all of us fire sprinklers as back-up protection for cases where safety! Aerosmith, the who Tribute bands play Rhode Island Benefit, it was mayhem... Streaming down their faces, Lardie says numerous 1-inch handlines were used in suppression Operations serious being broken. Greatest TV shows of all Time I didnt know if they were going to be able to use the to., a fan who escaped the inferno best place to save images and video.! Quickly along the ceiling and over the dance floor the nights headliner of tragic nightclub fires (... Already been requested could not access the 2003 plan components nor verify its effectiveness twelve minutes the! Russell began canceling dates due to health problems and addictions, Kendall debated future. Police officer, observing medical supplies dwindling, directed `` gun trauma ''! Killed 100 and injured 230 across the ceiling and over the dance floor ceiling of the Station nightclub during. The National Institute of standards and Technology ( NIST ) launched an investigation into the area through entrances from exits. Stage platform report also cites numerous code infractions that contributed to the scene, laying a four-inch line...