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
The owners of the land where a Rhode Island nightclub fire killed 99 people said they'd like to give the property over to the town for a memorial, but are facing fierce resistance from victims' families who say it's a ploy to duck future litigation. The West Warwick site where The Station once stood has been valued at around $300,000, but owner Triton Realty Ltd. has been in talks with city officials about giving up the land for free so a memorial can be built, the town manager said.
Several victims' families argue the land should remain in private hands until the civil actions - which are expected to reach $1 billion - are decided.
"Some lawyers feel it is an asset. If it's contributed at no cost, the asset won't be there for their clients," Town Manager Wolfgang Bauer said.
James Gahan III, whose son, Jimmy, 21, died in the Feb. 20 inferno, said, "If they're going to give something away, it should be a substantial sum of money to the victims."
But Triton's lawyer, Dan McKiernan, said that under state law, if the property was leased at the time and Triton was not involved in the day-to-day club operations, they are not culpable.
Janet Goldman, a lawyer leading the charge against the donation, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
The club burned to the ground after soundproofing foam caught fire when the band Great White set off pyrotechnics on stage.
