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David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/File 2003
On Feb. 20, 2003, a quick-moving fire broke out in a West Warwick, R.I., nightclub, killed 100 people and injuring hundreds more.
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WPRI-TV via Associated Press/ File
Great White was only minutes into its set at The Station nightclub when pyrotechnics were ignited on stage.
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WPRI-TV via Associated Press/ File
The band said it had permission from the club’s owners to use pyrotechnics. Owners Michael and Jeffrey Derderian said Great White did not ask or receive permission.
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WPRI-TV via Associated Press/ File
The theatrical fireworks were to signal the show’s start. The band was opening with the song "Desert Moon."
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WPRI-TV via Associated Press/ File
Pumping hands and displays of the “Devil’s Horns” became hands pointing to the fire, which started with the flammable soundproofing foam on the walls and ceiling.
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File
The fire quickly spread throughout the nightclub.
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Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office
The flames that started on the stage engulfed the entire club within three minutes, fire officials said.
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Firefighters responded to the scene, the day’s shift ending with body bags being carried away.
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WPRI-TV via Associated Press/ File
A victim was carried outside the club as the fire raged.
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WPRI-TV via Associated Press/ File
Many Great White fans became trapped in the doorways, some even trampled upon as other people tried to escape the fire.
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GREG SOUSA/Kent County Daily Times via Associated Press/ File
A burn victim was taken by a firefighter and a rescuer from the fire.
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Stew Milne/Associated Press/File
Firefighters sprayed water onto the charred remnants of the nightclub.
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KRIS CRAIG/Providence Journal via associated Press/File
Firefighters crowded the front entrance to look for victims and try to control the fire.
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Robert E. Klein/Associated Press/File
“I would say to let off pyrotechnics in that building you were asking for trouble,” said Donald Carcieri, then governor of Rhode Island. He added, “If there’s criminal wrongdoing, believe me, it will be pursued.”
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John Tlumacki/Globe Staff/ File
A bar chair and other debris sat among the ruins. The fire was the deadliest nightclub fire in US history since 1977.
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Bill Greene/Globe Staff/ File
Steven Ayer of West Warwick searched for his daughter Tina Ayer, who was at the nightclub and unaccounted for. Her father said “I just won't accept it” as he left the scene.
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Steven Ayer held photos of his daughter, Tina, the day after the fire. She was later identified as one of the 100 killed.
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Bill Greene/Globe Staff/ File
When a body was discovered, firefighters removed their helmets and paused for a moment of silence. Fire chaplains said prayers over the remains.
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Mary Murphy/Associated Press/ File
Rhode Island Superior Court Administrator Joe Conley stood in front of the charred remains of the reassembled stage and drummer's alcove used to house evidence retrieved from the nightclub.
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An unidentified firefighter wearing a Coventry, R.I., jacket paused before entering a makeshift Red Cross station to rest.
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Rhode Island Attorney General
Five firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation; more suffered psychological distress.
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David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/ File
“I’ve never been prouder to be the chief,” said Charles Hall, then chief of the West Warwick Fire Department. “It takes its toll; it’s very stressful.”
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Firefighters declined to talk to reporters but could be seen wiping tears from their eyes and sweat from their brows.
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Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff/ File
Colleen Sweeny of West Warwick brought flowers to The Station. She was a member of OS Singles, a group that often held meetings at the club.
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Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff/ File
A Rhode Island state trooper removed the letters of the band, Great White. Changes since the fire include requiring sprinklers for nightclubs and bars with occupancy limits of 100 or more and banning pyrotechnics in all but the largest public venues.
