Fires in nightclubs and other assembly occupancies

Fires in assembly occupancies have shown to be some of the most deadly when the proper features, systems and construction materials were not present.

Nightclubs, theaters and auditoriums differ from office buildings because they contain a large number of people in one main space. NFPA code provisions mandate that a considerable number of safety systems and features be present in order to keep everyone safe should an unwanted fire occur. The level of safety provided is not the result of any single safety system or feature, but rather is achieved through the combination of multiple safeguards that are provided.

 
Video: NFPA's Robert Solomon says consumers need to know how to protect themselves when they visit nightclubs and other public assembly venues.

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More resources

• Ten deadliest public assembly and nightclub fires in the U.S. and around the world

• The deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston burned on November 28, 1942, killing 492 people.

• The fourth deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, a blaze at The Station nightclub in W. Warwick, RI, on February 20, 2003, claimed 100 lives

• NFPA report: "U.S. Fires in Selected Occupancies: Eating and Drinking Establishments"
• NFPA reports on assembly occupancy fires.
• Information on the inspection of assembly occupancies (PDF) from the eighth edition of NFPA's Fire and Life Safety Inspection Manual. Provides the basis for ongoing inspections of existing buildings regardless of use or occupancy.
• Inspection checklist for assembly occupancies (PDF) which can be used as the basis for inspection if a jurisdiction does not otherwise have a prepared list available.
• Chapter 3, Codes and Standards for the Built Environment (PDF) from the 19th edition of NFPA's Fire Protection Handbook. Provides information about the history and role of regulations in the built environment, standards organizations, and enforcement, along with information about standards developing organizations, both nationally and internationally.

The 10 deadliest public assembly and nightclub fires in U.S. history

1. Iroquois Theater, Chicago, IL
   December 30, 1903.
   Deaths: 602
2. Cocoanut Grove nightclub, Boston, MA
   November 28, 1942
   Deaths: 492
3. Conway's Theater, Brooklyn, NY
   December 5, 1876
   Deaths: 285
4. Rhythm Club dance hall, Natchez, MS
   April 23, 1940
   Deaths: 207
5. Rhoads Opera House, Boyertown, PA
   January 13, 1908
   Deaths: 170
6. Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus tent, Hartford, CT
   July 6, 1944
   Deaths: 168
7. Beverly Hills Supper Club, Southgate, KY
   May 28, 1977
   Deaths: 165
8. The Station nightclub, W. Warwick, RI
   February 20, 2003
   Deaths: 100
9. Happy Land Social Club, Bronx, NY
   March 25, 1990
   Deaths: 87
10. Richmond Theater, Richmond, VA
    December 26, 1811
    Deaths: 72

Source: NFPA files on major fire incidents
Updated: 11/12

The 10 deadliest nightclub fires in world history

1. Cocoanut Grove nightclub, Boston, MA
   November 28, 1942
   Deaths: 492
2. Disco/dance hall, Luoyang, China. (Fire began elsewhere in shopping plaza and spread to disco.)
   December 25, 2000
   Deaths: 309
3. KISS nightclub, Santa Maria, Brazil
   January 27, 2013
   Deaths: 242
4. Rhythm Club dance hall, Natchez, MS
   April 23, 1940
   Deaths: 207
5. Cromagnon Republic club, Buenos Aires, Argentina
   December 30, 2004
   Deaths: 194
6. Beverly Hills Supper Club, Southgate, KY
   May 28, 1977
   Deaths: 165
7. Ozone Disco Club, Quezon City, Philippines
   March 18, 1996
   Deaths: 160
8. Lame Horse Nightclub, Perm, Russia
   December 5, 2009
   Deaths: 154
9. Club Cinq, St. Laurent du Pont, France
   November 20, 1971
   Deaths: 143
10. The Station nightclub, W. Warwick, RI
    February 20, 2003
    Deaths: 100