What Caused The Fire?

On June 27, 2000 co-owner Michael Derdian purchased twenty-five sheets of sound-proofing foam for $575. The foam was two and a half inches thick and was made of polyurethane. The foam is commonly used as a packing material and is not flame retardant. If Derdian had purchased fire retardant foam, it would have cost approximately $1,150, twice the price of the foam he actually purchased.

On February 20, 2003 Great White was performing at The Station Nightclub. As part of their set, they added an element of pyrotechnics. When they set the pyrotechnics off, the sound-proofing foam that surrounded the stage caught fire immediately. The fire department was notified after about 40 seconds, and arrived within five minutes. However by the time they arrived, the fire was already coming through the roof of The Station.

 

The fire at The Station Nightclub, 211 Cowesett Avenue in W. Warwick, Rhode Island was the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. History.  The fire started at 11:07 pm on Thursday the 20^th of February, 2003. 100 people were killed and 230 were injured.132 people escaped without physical harm. 

The fire was caused by pyrotechnics, igniting flammable acoustic foam which was around the stage, erupting in less than 40 seconds. Three people were convicted in the blaze: Jeffrey and Michael Derderian and a Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele, who lit the pyrotechnics. The three were were found responsible for the deaths at the club.