The Station Nightclub Fire on the evening of Thursday, February 20, 2003, was the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, killing 100 people and injuring more than 200. Ninety-six perished on the night of the fire, and four died later from their injuries at local hospitals. The Station, which regularly hosted glam metal and '80s rock bands, was a nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Image File history File links Stationlogo1. ... is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... Glam metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music that arose in the late 1970s - early 1980s in the United States. ... Rock and roll (also spelled Rock n Roll, especially in its first decade), also called rock, is a form of popular music, usually featuring vocals (often with vocal harmony), electric guitars and a strong back beat; other instruments, such as the saxophone, are common in some styles. ... // This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Location of West Warwick, Rhode Island. ... This article is about the U.S. State. ...

The fire

Screenshot of the Butler video, showing the beginnings of the fire

The fire started about 11:08 PM, just seconds into headlining band Great White's opening song "Desert Moon", when pyrotechnics set off by their tour manager, Daniel Biechele, lit flammable soundproofing foam behind the stage. The flames were first thought to be part of the act; only as the fire reached the ceiling and smoke began to billow did people realize it was uncontrolled. Just 20 seconds after the pyrotechnics ended, the band stopped playing, and lead singer, Jack Russell, remarked into the microphone, "Wow... this ain't good." In less than a minute, the entire stage was engulfed in flames. Although there were four possible exits, most people naturally headed for the door through which they entered. The ensuing stampede in the inferno led to a crush in the narrow hallway leading to that main entrance, eventually blocking it completely and resulting in numerous deaths and injuries among the patrons and staff, who numbered somewhat more than 404 (the highest of three conflicting official capacity limits). Of those in attendance, roughly one quarter died, and half were injured; either from burns, smoke inhalation or trampling. Among those who perished in the fire was Great White's lead guitarist, Ty Longley. Image File history File links Stationfirestart. ... Image File history File links Stationfirestart. ... Great White is an American blues-based rock and roll band. ... Pyrotechnics is a field of study often thought synonymous with the manufacture of fireworks, but more accurately it has a wider scope that includes items for military and industrial uses. ... Soundproofing is any means of to reducing the intensity of sound with respect to a specified source and receptor. ... A stampede is an act of mass impulse among herd animals or a crowd of people in which the herd (or crowd) collectively begins running with no clear direction or purpose. ... // Inferno means a large fire in general or hell in particular; it derives from Latin infernus, meaning hell, underworld ( beneath). ... For other uses, see Burn. ... Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of death in victims of indoor fires. ... To trample generally means to crush underhoof. ... Great White is an American blues-based rock and roll band. ... Ty Longley (September 4, 1971 – February 20, 2003) was an American guitarist and vocalist. ...

The pyrotechnics were gerbs, cylindrical devices intended to produce a controlled spray of sparks. Gerbs are labeled using two numbers: one for how far the sparks fly and one for how long the effect lasts. Biechele was fond of using 15 by 15's, which spray sparks 15 feet for 15 seconds. Three of that same caliber, at 45-degree angles, with the middle one pointing straight up, were the kind used that night. Gerbs are considered appropriate for indoor use before a nearby audience when proper precautions are observed. A gerb is a type of firework which produces a jet of sparks, usually from 30 to 120 seconds. ... The word cylinder has several meanings. ... Look up Spark in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

An NIST investigation of the fire, using computer simulations and a mock-up of the stage area and dance floor, concluded that a sprinkler system would have successfully contained the fire enough to give everyone time to get out safely. However, due to its age (built in the late 1930s) and size (4,484 square feet (404 m²)), the Station was believed by many to be exempt from sprinkler system requirements. In actuality, it had undergone an occupancy change when it was converted from a restaurant to a nightclub. This change dissolved its exemption from the law, a fact that West Warwick fire inspectors never noticed. On the night in question, the Station was legally required to have a sprinkler system, but did not. As a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce’s Technology Administration, the National Institute of Standards (NIST) develops and promotes measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. ... A computer simulation or a computer model is a computer program which attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system. ... This page is a candidate for speedy deletion. ... Look up Stage in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Fire sprinklers are an active fire protection measure subject to stringent bounding. ... Face The 1930s (years from 1930–1939) were described as an abrupt shift to more radical and conservative lifestyles, as countries were struggling to find a solution to the Great Depression, also known in Europe as the World Depression. ... is a defined and legal term in building construction and building codes. ... An exemption is a rule or law which excepts certain things from another rule or law. ...

The events that occurred during the fire were caught on videotape by cameraman Brian Butler for WPRI-TV of Providence, and the beginning of it was released to national news stations. Later, the video would circulate via file sharing online. He was there, ironically, for a planned piece on nightclub safety being reported by Jeffrey Derderian, a WPRI news reporter who is also a part-owner of The Station. WPRI-TV would be cited for an ethics violation for having a reporter do a report concerning his own property. The report had been inspired by the Chicago nightclub stampede that had claimed 21 lives only four days earlier. At the scene of the fire, Butler gave this understandably-agitated account of the tragedy:^[1] Bottom view of VHS videotape cassette with magnetic tape exposed Videotape is a means of recording images and sound onto magnetic tape as opposed to movie film. ... A cinematographer (from cinema photographer) is one photographing with a motion picture camera. ... WPRI is the local channel 12 and the Rhode Island CBS station. ... “Providence” redirects here. ... For other uses, see News (disambiguation). ... File sharing is the activity of making files available to other users for download over the Internet, but also over smaller networks. ... A Female Reporter A reporter is a type of journalist who researches and presents information in certain types of mass media. ... The Epitome Chicago and its upstairs dance floor E2 were a popular nightclub in Chicago until on the night of Monday, February 17, 2003, a stampede occurred in which 21 people were killed and more than 50 injured. ...

Brian Butler recounting the rapidity of the fire

“

...It was that fast. As soon as the pyrotechnics stopped, the flame had started on the egg crate backing behind the stage, and it just went up the ceiling. And people stood and watched it, and some people backed off. When I turned around, some people were already trying to leave, and others were just sitting there going, 'Yes, that's great!' And I remember that statement, because I was, like, this is not great. This is the time to leave. At first, there was no panic. Everybody just kind of turned. Most people still just stood there. In the other rooms, the smoke hadn't gotten to them, the flame wasn't that bad, they didn't think anything of it. Well, I guess once we all started to turn toward the door, and we got bottle-necked into the front door, people just kept pushing, and eventually everyone popped out of the door, including myself. Image File history File links Bbutler. ... Image File history File links Bbutler. ... That's when I turned back. I went around back. There was no one coming out the back door anymore. I kicked out a side window to try to get people out of there. One guy did crawl out. I went back around the front again, and that's when you saw people stacked on top of each other, trying to get out of the front door. And by then, the black smoke was pouring out over their heads. I noticed when the pyro stopped, the flame had kept going on both sides. And then on one side, I noticed it come over the top, and that's when I said, 'I have to leave.' And I turned around, I said, 'Get out, get out, get to the door, get to the door!' And people just stood there. There was a table in the way at the door, and I pulled that out just to get it out of the way so people could get out easier. And I never expected it take off as fast as it did. It just -- it was so fast. It had to be two minutes tops before the whole place was black smoke.

”

Thousands of mourners attended a memorial service at St. Gregory the Great Church in Warwick on February 24, 2003, to remember those lost in the fire. Following the tragedy, Governor Donald Carcieri declared a moratorium on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people. is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... List of Rhode Island Governors Nicholas Cooke None 1775-1778 William Greene None 1778-1786 John Collins None 1786-1790 Arthur Fenner Anti-Federalist 1790-1805 Henry Smith Unknown 1805-1806 Isaac Wilbur Unknown 1806-1807 James Fenner Dem. ... Donald L. Don Carcieri (born December 16, 1942) is the governor of the U.S. state of Rhode Island. ... Look up Moratorium in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Make-shift memorial at the location of the Station night club

Currently, the site of the fire is an empty lot, with the exception of a multitude of crosses, memorials left by loved ones of the dead. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3072x2048, 1029 KB) Summary Taken By: Joe Webster (www. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3072x2048, 1029 KB) Summary Taken By: Joe Webster (www. ...

Great White continued to tour, saying a prayer for the friends and families touched by that fateful night at the beginning of each concert. The band said they would never play the song "Desert Moon" live again. "I don't think I could ever sing that song again," said lead singer and founder Jack Russell.^[2] Guitarist, Mark Kendall stated, "We haven't played that song. Things that bring back memories of that night we try to stay away from. And that song reminds us of that night. We haven't played it since then and probably never will."^[3] The band also refuses to use pyrotechnics since the tragedy. Great White is an American blues-based rock and roll band. ...

It was the deadliest fire in the United States since the 1977 Southgate, Kentucky, Beverly Hills Supper Club fire that claimed 165 lives. The worst nightclub fire was November 28, 1942, in Boston at the Cocoanut Grove, where 492 died after paper decorations caught fire. The Rhythm Night Club Fire in Natchez, Mississippi, claimed the lives of approximately 209 persons during a dance in 1940. The Station fire exceeded the death toll of 87 in the March 25, 1990, Happyland Fire in the Bronx, New York City. Southgate is a city located in Campbell County, Kentucky. ... The Beverly Hills Supper Club fire in Kentucky is the third deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history. ... is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... “Boston” redirects here. ... // The Cocoanut Grove was a nightclub in Boston, Massachusetts. ... The Rhythm Night Club fire took place in Natchez, Mississippi on April 23, 1940 and killed 209 African-American party goers, while severely injuring many others. ... is the 84th day of the year (85th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1990 (MCMXC) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar). ... The Happyland Fire killed 87 people trapped in an unlicensed social club called Happy Land in New York City, on March 25, 1990. ... For other uses, see The Bronx (disambiguation). ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ...

Investigation

Biechele at the time of his booking, December 9, 2003

Investigators focused on the foam material which had been installed behind the stage. The foam was of a kind intended for use in packaging and product display and not for sound-treating buildings, and would not have been treated with fire-retardant materials used in acoustic foam. Witnesses to the fire have reported that once ignited, flames spread across the foam at approximately one foot per second. Through attorneys, club owners said they did not give permission to the band to use pyrotechnics. Band members have claimed they had permission. Image File history File links Biechelemug. ... Image File history File links Biechelemug. ... A fire-retardant material is one that is designed to resist burning and withstand heat. ... Acoustic foam is typically open-celled. ... An attorney is someone who represents someone else in the transaction of business: For attorney-at-law, see lawyer, solicitor, barrister or civil law notary. ...

In the early days after the fire, there was considerable effort to assign and avoid blame on the part of the band, the nightclub owners, the manufacturers and distributors of the foam material and pyrotechnics, and the concert promoters.

On December 9, 2003, Jeffrey A. and Michael A. Derderian, the two owners of The Station nightclub, and Daniel M. Biechele, Great White's former road manager, were charged with 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter — two per death. All three pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Derderians also were fined $1.07 million for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees, four of whom died in the blaze. is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Workers compensation (colloquially known as workers comp in North American English or compo in Australian English) is a form of insurance that provides medical care and compensation for employees who are injured in the course of employment in abrogating the employees right to sue their employer for the tort...

On November 14, 2005, lawyers for the Derderians requested all charges be dropped against their clients, alleging a grand jury was never made aware of a fax vital to the case. The fax, sent anonymously to prosecutors by American Foam Corp. salesman Barry Warner, told of his company's policy of withholding from customers the hazards of its foam products, including flammability. is the 318th day of the year (319th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Criminal trial

The first criminal trial was to be against Great White's then tour manager Daniel Michael Biechele (pron. "BEE-clee"), 29, from Orlando, Florida. This trial was expected to start May 1, 2006, but Biechele (against his lawyers' advice)^[4] pleaded guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter on February 7, 2006 in an effort to "bring peace, I want this to be over with."^[4] Under the plea agreement reached with prosecutors, he could have served up to 10 years in prison. Great White is an American blues-based rock and roll band. ... is the 121st day of the year (122nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 38th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Biechele sentencing

Wikinews has related news:

Band manager Daniel Biechele shown parole support by families of victims of the Station nightclub fire

• On May 10, 2006, State Prosecutor, Randall White, asked the court to sentence Biechele to 10 years in prison, the maximum allowed under the plea bargain, citing the massive loss of life in The Station fire and the need to send a message.^[4]

• Speaking to the public for the first time during his trial, Biechele looked to be truly remorseful during his sentencing. Choking back tears, he made this statement to the court and to the families of the victims:

Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Biechele's statement to the court:

Biechele, giving his tearful apology

“

For three years, I've wanted to be able to speak to the people that were affected by this tragedy, but I know that there's nothing that I can say or do that will undo what happened that night. Since the fire, I have wanted to tell the victims and their families how truly sorry I am for what happened that night and the part that I had in it. I never wanted anyone to be hurt in any way. I never imagined that anyone ever would be. Image File history File links Sadbiechle. ... Image File history File links Sadbiechle. ... I know how this tragedy has devastated me, but I can only begin to understand what the people who lost loved ones have endured. I don't know that I'll ever forgive myself for what happened that night, so I can't expect anybody else to. I can only pray that they understand that I would do anything to undo what happened that night and give them back their loved ones. I'm so sorry for what I have done, and I don't want to cause anyone any more pain. I will never forget that night, and I will never forget the people that were hurt by it. I am so sorry.

”

• As the thirty-minute sentencing progressed, Biechele accepted responsibility for his crime.
• Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan sentenced Biechele to 15 years in prison, with four to serve and 11 years suspended, plus three years probation, for his role in setting off the nightclub fire.^[5]
• Darigan remarked, "The greatest sentence that can be imposed on you has been imposed on you by yourself."
• With good behavior, Biechele will be eligible for parole in September, 2007.
• Judge Darigan considered that and deemed him highly unlikely to re-offend, which were among the mitigating factors that led to his decision to impose such a sentence.
• The sentence drew mixed reactions in the courtroom. Many of the families believed that the punishment was just; he was going to have time to repent for what he had done. Many after the trial were hysterical, still desiring justice for their dead loved ones.^[5]

Biechele's parole supported by families of victims

Wikinews has related news:

Band manager Daniel Biechele shown parole support by families of victims of the Station nightclub fire

On September 4, 2007, families of victims of the Station nightclub fire, which killed 100 people on Rhode Island in 2003, have expressed their support for the parole of Great White band manager Daniel Biechele, currently 16 months into a four year jail sentence for his role in the disaster. Image File history File links WikiNews-Logo. ... Wikinews is a free-content news source and a project of the Wikimedia Foundation. ...

Leland Hoisington, whose 28-year-old daughter Abbie was killed in the fire, told reporters "I think they should not even bother with a hearing _ just let Biechele out... I just don't find him as guilty of anything." The state parole board received approximately 20 letters, the majority of which expressed their sympathy and support for Daniel, some going as far as describing him as a "scapegoat" of limited responsibility.

Board chairwoman Lisa Holley told journalists of her surprise at the forgiving of the families, saying "I think the most overwhelming part of it for me was the depth of forgiveness of many of these families that have sustained such a loss,".

A letter written by Dave Kane and Joanne O'Neill, parents of youngest victim Nicholas O'Neill, released their letter to the board to reporters. "In the period following this tragedy, it was Mr. Biechele, alone, who stood up and admitted responsibility for his part in this horrible event... "He apologized to the families of the victims and made no attempt to mitigate his guilt," it said.

Others pointed out that he sent a handwritten letter to the families of each of the hundred victims and that he has a work release position in a local charity.

On September 19, 2007, the Rhode Island Parole Board announced that Biechele would be released in March 2008.

Nightclub owners trial

As jury selection was taking place for the criminal trial of nightclub owners Jeffrey and Michael Derderian, the brothers struck a plea bargain with prosecutors under which Michael Derderian would serve four years in a minimum security prison, and Jeffrey Derderian would accept a 10 year sentence that would be suspended in return for 500 hours of community service.^{[citation needed]} A suspended sentence is a legal construct. ...

Families of the victims of the fire were reportedly upset with the deal, which many heard about from reporters before Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch could reach them with the information.^{[citation needed]}

The Station Fire Memorial Foundation

In June 2003 the Station Fire Memorial Foundation was founded by family members and friends of the victims. Their stated purpose was to procure the land where the Station stood in order to build and maintain a memorial site; fund-raising is expected to be long-term.

Fire Portal

Large Bonfire File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...

External links

News articles

• Inferno Horror at the Fire Station, Hammernews, February 21-March 14, 2003
• Nightclub owners, band's tour manager charged in deadly fire, Associated Press, December 9, 2003
• Governor: Examinations Of Nightclub Victims Complete, WJAR-TV Rhode Island, February 24, 2003
• 96 Dead in Fire Ignited at Rhode Island Club, The New York Times, February 23, 2003
• R.I. Nightclub Fire Kills 96, Washington Post, February 22, 2003
• Club, band dispute permission to use fireworks, CNN, February 22, 2003
• 1st Criminal Trial WJAR, 2005-12-12
• Guilty Plea WJAR, 2006-01-31
• Video of entire event - [1]

Michael Hammerschlag is a journalist who has written commentary and articles for many major newspapers and magazines over 25 years. ... is the 52nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 73rd day of the year (74th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... is the 343rd day of the year (344th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... WJAR (NBC 10) is the NBC owned and operated television station in Rhode Island. ... is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The New York Times is a daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed internationally. ... February 23 is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Cable News Network, commonly known as CNN, is a major cable television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... WJAR is the NBC-affiliated television station for the state of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... WJAR is the NBC-affiliated television station for the state of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Other links

• Station Fire Memorial Foundation The Station Fire Memorial Foundation site. Includes a full list of the victims.
• Great White performance rider, The Smoking Gun.
• Continuing detailed coverage by the Providence Journal Including: an investigation of the town's fire, police, and building inspection processes; the National Institute of Standards and Technology report on the fire; a report of the emergency response to the fire; dangers of polyurethane foam in furniture, mattresses, pillows, and carpet padding; profiles of the club's owners; and the indictment and civil complaint documents. Free registration required.
• National Fire Protection Association web page Nightclubs/assembly occupancies Includes a report on the fire, links to nightclub safety tips, information on safe use of pyrotechnics, and other relevant information.
• [2] The story of the fire's youngest victim, Nick O'Neill

Screenshot from The Smoking Gun The Smoking Gun is a website that posts legal documents, arrest records, and police mugshots on a daily basis. ... NIST logo The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, formerly known as The National Bureau of Standards) is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce’s Technology Administration. ...

References

1. ^ Butler, Brian. "Nightclub Fire Kills 39 People", CNN, February 21, 2003. 
2. ^ Arsenault, Mark. "Great White: Performing again is the right thing", The Providence Journal, July 31, 2003. 
3. ^ Mervis, Scott. "After the fire: Great White, survivors live with the horror of Rhode Island tragedy", Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 25, 2005. 
4. ^ ^{a b c} Peoples, Steve. "Prosecutor wants 10 years for Biechele", The Providence Journal, May 10, 2006. 
5. ^ ^{a b} Perry, Jack. "Biechele gets 4 years to serve", The Providence Journal, May 10, 2006. 

Coordinates: 41°41′03.5″N, 71°30′39″W The Cable News Network, commonly known as CNN, is a major cable television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. ... The Providence Journal is a daily newspaper serving the metropolitan area of Providence, Rhode Island and is the largest newspaper in Rhode Island. ... The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, also known simply as the PG, is the largest daily newspaper serving metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ... The Providence Journal is a daily newspaper serving the metropolitan area of Providence, Rhode Island and is the largest newspaper in Rhode Island. ... The Providence Journal is a daily newspaper serving the metropolitan area of Providence, Rhode Island and is the largest newspaper in Rhode Island. ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...