A wise examiner of history can see what has taken place in the past and learn from what has occurred. At times, certain mistakes could have been avoided, and if events are carefully studied, we have the opportunity to make different choices so those same mistakes do not happen again. As we analyze the details of a particular event, we can draw conclusions as to the causes. While this can apply to so many different circumstances throughout history, it also has special application to devastating fires that have occurred in America. By studying the causes of fires, we can prevent the very same types of fires from occurring now. In fact, many fire safety codes have been put in place because of circumstances in tragic fires that could have been prevented.
One fire in America's history that we can learn from is the fire at the Brooklyn Theater in Brooklyn, NY in 1876. When a gas light made contact with scenery in the theater, the result was a devastating fire that caused the building to go up in flames. As the one piece of scenery caught fire, the blaze swiftly reached the other decorations; smoke permeated the entire theater. Instead of trying to help attendees get out of the building safely, the stagehands focused on putting out the fire. As a result, valuable escape time was lost. There were no fire escapes in the building, the only route to vacate the building being a narrow staircase. Sadly, there was a crazed stampede for the door, where many individuals were trampled and others ended up being trapped inside. As the building went down in flames, 278 people died on that day due to the devastating fire.
There's a lot we can learn from this horrific incident. One very clear lesson is how vital it is for items like hangings, curtains, scenery, and decorations to be flameproofed. If the types of safety codes we have now were in place then, this horrible fire could have either been precluded or at least the damage and loss of life could have been reduced. Not only that, because evacuation was not the priority of the stagehands, chaos ensued and many lost their lives trying to vacate the building. Designed for only an orderly, peaceful egress, the exits of the theater were not equipped to handle a panic-stricken mob. Additionally, as we might expect, the building did not have automatic fire sprinklers. Combined, all of these details played a role in this horrible tragedy at the Brooklyn Theater.
Thankfully, in our present times, fire safety supervision and codes are much more rigorous and have been upgraded since 1876. Fireproofing is now a requirement by the FDNY in buildings used for public gatherings, such as nightclubs, bars, theaters, restaurants, and hotels. All curtains, hangings, scenery, and draperies are required to be treated with fire retardants. This specification is put in place in order to minimize the loss of property and save lives should an unfortunate fire ever occur.
Certified Flameproofing is a top-quality fireproofing company here in NYC, and we are able to help protect your building from the devastating results of a fire. As the Brooklyn Theater fire taught us, it is imperative to have the required items on your property treated with flame repellents. As demonstrated by history, there is an enormous danger if those important safeguards are not in place. We can help you keep your building safe from the threat of fire.
Please call us 800-590-5530 for a free, no-obligation estimate so we can assist you with your flameproofing needs.