Terrified patrons in a frenzy made a mad dash for the exits. As we might expect in a scenario like this, individuals were crushed and trampled while the crowd tried to escape. Unfortunately, the theater was also decorated with faux doors, which were really just decorated, inoperable windows. This only confused the patrons as they tried to escape, and now they were trapped in these dead ends.
Another detail that added to this perfect storm was that there were bars located at the stairways; this closed off paths to the exits, essentially imprisoning the patrons inside. These barred stairways created a scenario where hundreds were crushed and suffocated as others tried to evacuate. The total loss of life from this devastating horror was 605 individuals.
The shorted-out lamp was the main cause of the tragedy, but here were see a chain of unfortunate events unfold from that one malfunction.First, we can clearly see that our current laws regarding flameproofing would have greatly aided in the prevention of this tragic fire. FDNY regulations today state that all places where the public gathers must undergo flameproofing treatments for decorative objects, such as curtains, drapes, scenery, hangings, etc. Clearly, if those procedures were available at the time, the Iroquois Theater fire would have had a vastly different outcome.
There were also other factors at work in this fire. The exits were not adequate nor were they clearly marked. Automatic sprinkler systems were not installed. Exits were blocked by bars as well as patrons who were viewing the play from the aisles. All of these elements added to the tragic outcome of the fire. However, flameproofing could have slowed or even prevented the fire from getting out of hand, which would have also prevented the disastrous domino effects.
Fortunately, we are at a time in history where we have come light years in fire safety and prevention methods since the devastating fire in Chicago. We have learned our lessons, and codes have been changed and added to include fire safety mechanisms such as flameproofing, adequate fire exits, and sprinkler systems. Here at Brooklyn Flameproofing, we are honored to do our part in keeping our city safe from fires. By having your business location flameproofed, the items on location will not support combustion once they are treated, which could drastically reduce the devastation should a fire occur.
Please call us today for a free, no-obligation estimate to discuss how we can serve and protect your business. We are here to make sure that tragic fires like the Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago do not happen at our home in Brooklyn. Call today: 800-401-5415