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
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
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A commission formed after a deadly nightclub fire voted Thursday to recommend a tougher state fire code with more stringent sprinkler requirements and a ban on pyrotechnics in smaller buildings.
The state panel also recommended giving local fire marshals more power and eliminating exemptions that allow owners of many older buildings to avoid installing sprinkler systems.
``We wanted to be the safest state in the country and this takes us there,'' said state Sen. John Celona, the commission co-chairman.
The blaze ripped through The Station nightclub in West Warwick on Feb. 20, killing 100 people and injuring nearly 200 others. The fire, in a decades-old building without sprinklers, was sparked by a band's pyrotechnic display.
The panel, formed to examine fire safety, must report its recommendations to lawmakers this week. State lawmakers this month are expected to approve all or most of the recommendations, which also have support from Gov. Don Carcieri.
The commission recommended requiring sprinklers by July 2006 in nightclubs that serve alcohol and have occupancies of at least 150 people. Large restaurants and most places of assembly with occupancies of 300 or more would have to install sprinklers a year earlier.
Robert Correia, owner of the West Valley Inn in West Warwick, told the panel businesses like his would need more time to install sprinklers _ a job he said would cost him more than $300,000.
``I know they needed to do something but that's not enough time for everybody to get everything done,'' Correia said.
The National Fire Protection Association, a group of fire experts whose safety recommendations have been adopted in some form by Rhode Island and 33 other states, currently has less stringent recommendations but is considering calling for sprinklers in all nightclubs.
Other recommendations by the commission include banning pyrotechnics in all but the largest venues and requiring a crowd manager during certain events at venues with occupancies of 300 or more.
