Macedonia tragedy highlights frequency and severity of nightclub fires started by pyrotechnics

CROSS-UK has urged those responsible for fire risk planning and risk assessments in the entertainment and events sectors to improve their management of fire risk after the Pulse nightclub fire in North Macedonia killed 61 people last month.

Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS-UK) has published an article that targets a range of stakeholders in the entertainment and events sector to help them improve their fire risk management, including preventative and reactive measures. 

The purpose of the article is to highlight the dangers of fires started by pyrotechnics breaking out in busy nightclubs, which in the last few decades have resulted in mass casualties in countries as far flung as the Netherlands and Brazil and the USA and China.

On 16 March this year, a fire that reportedly was started by indoor fireworks igniting combustible materials inside the Pulse nightclub in North Macedonia resulted in 61 deaths. 

As the safety reporting system supported by the Institution of Structural Engineers, the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Fire Engineers, notes, buildings that are used as nightclubs present unique risks (see box) and require compliance with the relevant building regulations.

CROSS-UK warns that these risk factors can severely hinder evacuation during emergencies and increase the likelihood and severity of fatalities. 

In light of what it sees as incidents that are too frequent and severe in outcome to ignore, the reporting system is calling on a wide range of UK stakeholders to improve safeguards by acting in three critical areas: identify potential hazards; prevent fires from starting; and ensure that should a fire break out, nightclubbers, including those with physical challenges, are alerted and can evacuate safely.

"Many nightclubs are inside buildings used for other purposes, and many are in spaces that have been adapted from another use rather than a purpose-built structure," explains CROSS-UK’s article.

"Consequently, few nightclub premises have ideal fire safe designs. Emergency escapes may be via stairs or through rarely used and unfamiliar exit routes, which may be of varying widths."

CROSS-UK reminds those individuals who are directly responsible for managing fire risk – nightclub owners, managers and event organisers – that they are legally required to undertake a risk assessment and act on any significant findings. 

In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Act 2005 (FSO), which is enforced by the fire and rescue service, along with similar legislation on Scotland and Northern Ireland, requires these stakeholders to manage fire safety effectively, for example, by complying with relevant building regulations.

In addition, building regulations guidance sets out the maximum distance to the exits, the number required in the venue, and the widths needed to reflect the number of people who could pass through them, notes CROSS-UK.

The article also reminds these stakeholders that they must ensure the venue’s capacity limit isn’t exceeded and always ensure the emergency exits are easily accessible.

Training and testing for door supervisors should include fire safety, the article adds. 

The safety reporting system also draws the responsible person’s attention to the UK government’s Guide to fire safety in small and medium places of assembly, which provides a good overview of the challenges towards achieving fire safety in these premises.

"It is not difficult to imagine the transition from a room full of people enjoying a great time, influenced by alcohol and a relaxed atmosphere, to a developing emergency," warns CROSS-UK. 

"Smoke begins to fill the space, fire becomes apparent, and visibility decreases. Breathing is affected by toxic fumes, and fire alarms activate. In an unfamiliar space with no clear or known alternative exits, individuals may experience confusion and disorientation. Raised voices and movement add to the disruption as evacuation becomes necessary."

As a further preventative measure, the safety reporting system also urges nightclub owners, managers and event organisers to restrict the use of indoor pyrotechnics because these can easily ignite flammable ceiling materials, acoustic foam or decorations.

CROSS-UK also sees a role for fire engineers, regulatory authorities, fire and rescue services, building inspectors and policymakers involved in public safety, building safety and licensing to step up as this will help minimise the risks.

"Regulatory oversight must ensure strict compliance with fire safety standards," argues the safety reporting system. 

"The FSO changed the relationship between clubs, licensing magistrates and the fire and rescue service. Regular “during a performance” visits and audits of fire safety to provide reports for licensing approvals may not be carried out as frequently as needed to help keep fire safety in the sight of venue managers."

The safety reporting system recommends that fire and rescue services review local risk management plans and include audits of premises used as nightclubs. 

Finally, CROSS-UK suggests that young people who frequent nightclubs could benefit for having greater awareness of the fire risks so they are better informed on how to stay safe.

"People need to understand the real risk of fires in nightclubs and be prepared to evacuate swiftly but calmly if danger arises,’ says the safety reporting system. 

"Most of the victims of these fires are young people, and so there could be campaigns for greater awareness of risks aimed at schools, universities, and places of further education."

As an additional measure CROSS-UK says patrons should note the exits on arrival and remain alert to the risk of overcrowding. Should they have any concerns regarding this, it says they should raise their concerns with the venue’s management. If these aren’t acted on, they should call the local fire service to report a fire risk and vacate the venue immediately if there is any sign of a fire.

For more information, see the CROSS report here.
 

Why nightclubs require a high level of fire safety management

• the presence of large numbers of people who may be unfamiliar with the building’s layout, and who may have their judgement impaired by alcohol or other substances
• the high volume of sound and music
• the high levels of excitement
• subdued lighting or lighting that is flashing/bright, used to create an effect
• secured exits to prevent unauthorised entry
• emergency exits not used as entrances that may be difficult to find and operate; and
• furniture and decorations that may be deployed on a permanent or temporary basis to support a theme or help achieve a certain atmosphere or ambience, especially around periods of celebration.
   

Image credit: Getty Images