100 White Roses at Base of Podium Symbolize Lives Lost in Worst Fire in Rhode Island History
Governor Donald L. Carcieri today signed the Comprehensive Fire Safety Act of 2003 at a ceremony on the South lawn of the State House. The legislation signed today is the result of a 17-member commission's recommendations which looked into the state's fire codes after the Station Nightclub fire on February 20th.
"Today as we sign this landmark legislation, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives during this tragedy and we recognize survivors and victims who are recovering from their injuries," said Governor Carcieri. "By working shoulder-to-shoulder, by taking immediate action, we've delivered and we've made good on our promise to take the necessary measures to ensure that we never see a tragedy like this ever again in Rhode Island."
The new legislation bans pyrotechnics except in the largest venues and requires new safety regulations for nightclubs with maximum occupancies of 150 to 300, including installing sprinklers and exit signs near the floor. The bill also adopts the National Fire Protection Association's codes for new and existing buildings.
Also attending the ceremony were Senator John Celona, commission co-chair and Senate sponsor of the legislation; Representative Peter Ginaitt, commission co-chair; Senate President William Irons; Speaker of the House William Murphy; and Norman Landroche, House sponsor of the legislation. Fire survivors, victims' families, and first-responders to the February 20th tragedy were also in attendance at the historic signing ceremony.