After 18-Years, Video of The Station Nightclub Fire Is Still Chilling

The Station Nightclub fire occurred on the evening of February 20, 2003, in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people. The fire was caused by pyrotechnics set off by the tour manager of the evening’s headlining band, Great White, which ignited flammable acoustic foam in the walls and ceilings surrounding the stage. The blaze reached a crescendo within one minute, causing all combustible materials to burn. Intense black smoke engulfed the club in 5½ minutes. This video footage of the fire shows its ignition, rapid growth, the billowing black smoke that quickly made escape impossible, and blocked doors that further hindered evacuation. Many people tried to exit through the door behind the stage but were stopped by a bouncer who wouldn’t let them use it. So tragic. WARNING: This video is difficult to watch.