← Evidence Library

Government or official record

The Station Nightclub Fire Investigation

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Where this source supports the record

Each entry separates the article’s editorial relevance note from its exact, section-level claims. A bibliography link without a direct claim is labeled plainly.

  1. Fires · 20 February 2003

    The Station Nightclub Fire

    The Station nightclub site and memorial park · United States

    Open article references →
    Why editors use it here

    Federal experiments and analysis of ignition, materials, sprinklers, egress, and recommendations.

    1. Quick read

      On 20 February 2003, pyrotechnics used by the band Great White ignited polyurethane foam around the stage at The Station nightclub.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026
    2. Trigger and conditions

      At about 11:07 p.m., gerb fireworks sprayed sparks behind the stage.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026
    3. Uncertainty

      The ignition and fire development are well documented on video.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026
    4. Why it matters

      The Station demonstrates how a familiar entrance, a few seconds of delayed recognition, and rapidly toxic materials defeat ordinary intuition about escape time.

      Reviewed 26 July 2026