Brazil nightclub fire: What pyrotechnic safety measures are in place in the US?

The tragedy of the Brazil nightclub fire is raising the important question of what pyrotechnic and other nightclub safety measures are in place in cities in the United States. As of Jan. 28, 2013, the Brazil nightclub fire has claimed the lives of 231 people; lives that could have been spared.

According to the latest update provided by Santa Maria’s newspaper Diario de Santa Maria on Jan. 28, 2013, in addition to the 231 dead, 80 victims of the Brazil nightclub fire are still in critical condition.

Santa Maria’s newspaper reports that so far three people, including two members of the band Gurizada Fandangueira and one club owner, have been temporarily arrested for questioning. Other warrants have been issued by the police. Santa Maria’s newspaper also reports that the nightclub’s “fire prevention permit” had expired in August of 2012.

The investigation into the possible cause for the Brazil nightclub fire is taking a closer look at the nightclub’s ceiling wiring and the band’s use of pyrotechnics.

In light of the Brazil nightclub fire, San Diego city officials are addressing the topic of nightclub safety.

According to a 10News report on Jan. 28, 2013, “The city of San Diego strictly monitors pyrotechnic displays and occupancy limits in nightclubs and other commercial spaces, preventing -- to date -- disasters such as the mass-fatality fire in a Brazil live-music venue, a fire department spokesman said Monday.”

The city of San Diego conducts annual inspections of businesses and has a rigorous permitting process for any event involving fireworks or pyrotechnics.

Indoor open flame-type devices are generally not allowed in San Diego. Pyrotechnic displays, especially very elaborate ones, are often overseen by a deputy fire marshal.

Outdoor events that include fireworks or any type of pyrotechnic display require from the organizer to pay for a fire truck and its crew. Both have to be present at the event as a precaution.

“The SDFRD Fire Prevention Bureau, consisting of uniformed firefighters and some civilians, has the authority to approve or deny all applications for use of pyrotechnics in the city.”

In addition to fireworks and pyrotechnic displays, San Diego also monitors occupancy limits in nightclubs as often as possible.

Whenever police officers, fire crews, or medical personnel are called to nightclubs for a disturbance or medical emergency, a violation of occupancy limits can result in an evacuation of a premise. Similarly, public complaints can result in the reinforcement of occupancy limit laws.

Having a valid fire safety permit, regulated pyrotechnic displays, and monitored occupancy limits might have sounded tedious to the Kiss nightclub owners. For the families of the 231 victims, it would have sounded lifesaving.

What fire safety permit (including electrical wiring), pyrotechnic, and occupancy measures are in place in other cities in the United States in order to prevent a tragedy like the Brazil nightclub fire?

To see more photos and read about the lives of the 231 victims of the Brazil nightclub fire, please visit Diario de Santa Maria's victim photo page.

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