The Station had flammable foam on the walls — a pyrotechnic spark killed 100 people

The Station was a nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, owned by brothers Michael and Jeffrey Derderian. In November 2002, the club was cited for nine code violations, including an inward-swinging door that blocked the main exit path. The owners removed the door but were never cited for the more dangerous hazard: the polyurethane packing foam they had installed as soundproofing on the walls and ceiling around the stage. Unlike fire-retardant acoustic foam, this foam ignited instantly when exposed to flame.

On February 20, 2003, the band Great White was performing to 462 people — exceeding the club's licensed capacity of 404. Tour manager Daniel Biechele set off a pyrotechnic gerb without permission or a permit. The spark ignited the foam. Within 9 seconds, flames were visible. Within 20 seconds, the band stopped. Within 40 seconds, the fire alarm sounded — not connected to the fire dept. Within one minute, thick smoke filled the building. Within six minutes, the building was engulfed. 100 people died and 230 were injured. The first fire truck arrived after the building was fully involved.

The fire became the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in US history. The Derderian brothers and Biechele were all charged with involuntary manslaughter. Michael Derderian pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 15 years (4 to serve, 11 suspended). Jeffrey Derderian received 500 hours of community service. Biechele pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years (2 to serve, 13 suspended). Civil settlements totaled at least $176 million. The fire marshal who had inspected the club months earlier and missed the foam resigned.

The fire transformed US fire codes. Rhode Island required sprinklers in nightclubs with capacity over 150. The NFPA issued emergency changes requiring sprinklers in existing nightclubs with more than 100 occupants. The tragedy also led to requirements for crowd managers in assembly occupancies and stricter rules on indoor pyrotechnics. The grandfather clause that had exempted older buildings from sprinkler requirements was eliminated in many jurisdictions.