The Incident
First-In: Heroic Rescues
Death Toll Rises to 97
At Least 96 Dead in Inferno
Rescuers Struggle with Horror
Fire, Smoke Turns Club Into Hell
Discuss the Warwick Tragedy
The Aftermath
Changes to Safety Laws Since R.I. Fire
Few Changes After Club Blaze Killed 100
Web Site Comforts RI Patients
RI Gov. Orders Strict Inspections
2 Families Sue in RI Club Blaze
RI Nightclub Claims May Total $1B
RI Nightclub Death Toll Rises to 98
Victims Face Long Recovery
All But 4 Victims ID'd
Thousands Mourn Victims
IDs Could Take Days
Family, Friends Search
9/11 Widow Reflects
Survivors Recall Heroic Acts
The Investigation
Patron Capacity Unclear in RI Fire
Band Member Testifies
RI Reports Don't Mention Foam
Fire Inspector Report Released
Post-9/11 Drills Aid Club Rescue
Federal Team Launches Probe
Grand Jury Begins Probe
Brannigan: Inspectors Ready?
Investigation Ramps Up
Investigators Check Soundproof
Pyrotechnics Examined in Clubs
Disasters Prompt Inspections
Sprinklers Not Required
Nightclub Up to Code Before Fire
Town Withholds Records
RI Begins Inspections
No Warning of Pyro Use
Pyrotechnics Usually Safe
Atty: RI Club Rep. OK'd Pyrotech.
Fire Challenges State Atty. Gen.
IDs Weighed Heavy on Dentists
FEMA Denies Disaster Aid for Fire
Photos & Video
IBS Scene SlideShow
ABC: The Fire Starts
WJAR Video Feedroom
History of Tragedies
Carter: History Strikes Again
Fire, Life Safety Laws in Front
Tragedy Recalls Cocoanut Grove
Worst Club Tragedies
Nightclub Disasters Too Familiar
List: Worst Club Tragedies
Related Sites
West Warwick Fire Department
Warwick Fire Department
FH Network: Rhode Island
Providence Journal Coverage
CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) -- Wiping away tears and clutching hands for support, families and friends paid tribute to the 100 people who died in a nightclub fire a year ago.
Bells tolled 100 times for each of the men and women who perished in the Feb. 20, 2003, fire at The Station nightclub. Photographs of the dead sat on a stage at the front of the banquet hall.
``You have to move on, but it still seems like it was just yesterday,'' said Tammy Croteau, 36, of Waltham, Mass., whose brother-in-law, Robert, died in the fire.
Family and friends also were expected to gather at a memorial service Friday night in West Warwick, where The Station nightclub stood. Clergy members were expected to lead the ceremony and names of the dead were to be read aloud.
At the ceremony Thursday, brightly colored butterflies made by schoolchildren hung in rows above the families and survivors. The butterflies symbolized hope and transformation, themes emphasized in the prayers and poems read before the somber crowd.
``One year ago, Rhode Island was forever changed by The Station fire tragedy. That cold February night brought us all great sorrow and heartache,'' said Gov. Don Carcieri. ``A wave of sadness and disbelief washed over us all. It is a day that will always remain with us.''
A butterfly garden is planned at Roger Williams Park Zoo for fire victims, survivors, families and emergency rescue workers who responded to the blaze, the governor said.
