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
WEST WARWICK, R.I. (AP) -- The site of a nightclub fire that took 100 lives has been a sacred ground in the year since the tragedy - a place marked with makeshift crosses where family members and friends can sit and remember lost loved ones.
But as the first anniversary of The Station nightclub fire approaches, a permanent memorial is still out of reach. Days after the blaze was sparked by a band's pyrotechnics, state leaders pledged to transform the building's charred ruins into a memorial park, and many had hoped it would be in place by now.
``It's frustrating, but there are real challenges right now,'' said Larry Berman, a spokesman for House Speaker William Murphy of West Warwick.
While at least two groups have formed to plan and eventually build a memorial, organizers haven't been able to get beyond blueprints because the property is tied up in lawsuits filed by fire victims' families and survivors of the blaze, which injured about 200 people.
Property owner Triton Realty Inc. has said it is willing to donate the site to the town of West Warwick, but if Triton is held partly responsible for the fire, the property could be part of any damages awarded.
It could take years for the lawsuits to be resolved, which frustrates memorial organizers who meet regularly to come up with ways to secure the land.
``If we can raise enough money to buy the land off of Triton, then we'll be set,'' said Thomas Cahir, head of The Station Fire Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization working to build a memorial.
Cahir said his group meets once a month to go over design ideas and fund-raising methods.
``People want this. It's on their minds. But we're realistic it won't happen for a while,'' Cahir said.
The memorial's design is also a source of debate. Benches, a grassy area, a granite slab or a small building with mementoes of each victim are all being considered.
