How to Provide Information on The Station Nightclub Fire to NIST

What information is needed?

NIST would like additional information on The Station nightclub, its operations and emergency procedures, and the events in the building on the night of the Feb. 20, 2003, fire to enhance its investigation. Specifically, investigators are interested in receiving information on the following items:

• details of building geometry (interior and exterior, prior to or on Feb. 20, 2003);
• details of materials and finishes on the ceiling, walls, and floors;
• descriptions and locations of furnishings;
• positions of windows and doors prior to and during evacuation;
• observations of fire and smoke spread and operation of the fire alarm;
• number and locations of employees and patrons present at the start of the fire;
• difficulties encountered during evacuation;
• casualty reports; and
• number and type of emergency response units and approximate timeline of activities.

NIST is soliciting all forms of information including photographs, videos, recordings, plans, documents, samples, and recollections.

People with many different experiences and in very different roles could have useful information to share, including employees, survivors, families of victims, emergency responders, the media, and other witnesses with first-hand knowledge of events on Feb. 20, 2003. Also, former employees, previous patrons, contractors, suppliers, retired first responders, and friends of victims with second-hand knowledge might help us piece together the technical facts.

How can I contact the NIST Investigation Team?

People can contact NIST in the way that is most convenient to them.

Anonymous, toll-free tip line:

• (877) 451-8001

Fax:

• (301) 975-6122

E-mail:

• NCST [at] nist.gov (NCST[at]nist[dot]gov)

Postal mail:

• NCST Rhode Island Investigation
  National Institute of Standards and Technology
  100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8660
  Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8660
   

Also see NIST Construction Safety Investigations