PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A state commission formed after the Rhode Island nightclub inferno that killed 100 people was expected Thursday to recommend stronger fire safety laws, such as requiring more clubs to install sprinklers.
The 17-member Joint Commission to Study All Aspects of Law and Regulation Concerning Pyrotechnics Displays and Fire Safety began meeting in March. The group must report to lawmakers this week with recommended changes to state codes.
Investigators believe a rock group's pyrotechnics touched off the fast-moving blaze Feb. 20 at The Station in West Warwick.
State Sen. John Celona, the commission's co-chairman, said two weeks ago that he would push for sprinklers to be required in nightclubs with live entertainment.
The current state fire code exempts some older buildings from the requirement. The building that housed The Station was built in the 1940s and had no sprinklers.
Celona also said he wanted to ban pyrotechnics in clubs and give local fire marshals more enforcement powers.
Several restaurant owners have told the commission they are concerned about the cost of installing sprinklers. Commission members have said that business owners would be given access to loans to help cover the cost.
Legislative leaders want the Legislature to adopt the fire code changes before adjourning at the end of the month.
