In 2003 , improper use of pyrotechnics caused a fire in a Rhode Island nightclub called The Station . The Station nightclub fire was started when fireworks used by the band Great White accidentally ignited flammable soundproofing foam . The pyrotechnics in question were not appropriate . The foam caused combustion to spread rapidly and the resulting fire led to 100 deaths , apparently because their quick escape was blocked by ineffective exit doors . While the type of foam used and the lack of a sprinkler system were important factors in the fire , the Great White fire could likely have been prevented had those involved paid attention to standard safety practices around the use of pyrotechnics
The Station nightclub fire
The Station nightclub fire
Pyrotechnics