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The fire started when pyrotechnics set off by Great White, the rock band playing that night, lit flammable soundproof ing 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. The ensuing stampede in the inferno led to the numerous deaths among the patrons, who numbered somewhat more than 404, the highest of three conflicting official capacity limits.
The pyrotechnics were gerbs , cylindrical devices intended to produce a control spray of sparks. Gerbs are considered appropriate for indoor use before a nearby audience when proper precautions are observed. Due to age and size, the Station was not required to have a sprinkler system and it was not equipped with one.
The beginnings of the fire were caught on videotape by cameraman Brian Butler for WPRI-TV of Providence, for a planned piece on nightclub safety being reported by Jeff Derderian , a WPRI news reporter who is also a part-owner of The Station. The report had been inspired by the Chicago nightclub stampede that claimed 21 lives only four days earlier. Derderian previously had filed an unrelated report on mattress fires in which he described packaging foam as "solid gasoline".
Thousands of mourners attended a memorial service on February 24 to remember those lost in the fire. Following the tragedy, Governor Donald CarcieriDonald L. Don" Carcieri (born December 16, 1942) is the governor of the U. state of Rhode Island, as of 2004. He is a member of the Republican Party. He became governor in January 2003 after being elected in 2002 by defeating Democrat Myrth York, 55 perce declared a moratoriumIn law, a moratorium (from Latin morari to delay) is a legal authorization postponing for a specified time the payment of debts or obligations. The term is also sometimes used to mean the period over which the indulgence or period of grace stretches, the on pyrotechnic displays at venues that hold fewer than 300 people.
It was the deadliest fire in the United States since the 1977For the album by Ash, see 1977 (album). Events January 1 First woman Episcopal priest ordained January 6 EMI sacks the Sex Pistols January 18 Scientists identify a previously unknown bacterium as the cause of the mysterious " legionnaire's disease" Januar Southgate, KentuckySouthgate is a city located in Campbell County, Kentucky. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 3,472. On May 28, 1977 the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate was engulfed in fire, killing 165 inside. Geography Southgate is located Beverly Hills Supper Club fireBeverly Hills Supper Club Fire occurred at the Beverly Hills Supper Club, located in Southgate, Kentucky. It was first opened in 1971 and was a popular attraction. Around 9 p. on the night of May 28, 1977, a fire erupted. It quickly spread, killing 165 pe that claimed 165 lives. The worst nightclub fire was November 28November 28 is the 332nd day (333rd on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are 33 days remaining. Events 1095 On the last day of the Council of Clermont, Pope Urban II appointed bishop Adhemar of Le Puy and Count Raymond IV of Toulous, 1942Events January January 1 World War II: The word " United Nations" is first officially used to describe the Allied pact. January 2 World War II: Manila is captured by Japanese forces. January 5 Amy Johnson disappears in flight over River Thames estuary ass in Boston, Massachusetts at the Cocoanut Grove, where 492 died after paper decorations caught fire.