United States

Federal Officials, Survivors of Rhode Island Station Nightclub Fire Announce Sprinkler Tax Incentive

Survivors of The Station nightclub fire will announce an initiative aimed at saving lives on Tuesday's 15th anniversary of the tragedy.

WJAR-TV reports U.S. Fire Administrator Chief Keith Bryant will join survivors to announce a new federal tax incentive to help existing small businesses install sprinkler systems.

According to federal investigators, pyrotechnics used by the band Great White started the Feb. 20, 2003, fire that killed 100 people and injured more than 200 others.

Investigators said a lack of a sprinkler system played a role in what is deemed one of the deadliest nightclub fires in U.S. history.

The brothers who owned the club and Great White's tour manager were charged in the fire. All three reached plea deals, with the tour manager pleading guilty to 100 counts of manslaughter and the brothers pleading no contest. Lawsuits brought by survivors and victims' relatives were settled for $176 million.

The site of the fire in Warwick is now The Station Fire Memorial Park. On Tuesday, some survivors and victims' relatives will gather there to discuss the sprinkler installation incentive.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us