As part of our ongoing celebration of Firehouse Magazine’s 40th anniversary, we share with you examples of Firehouse’s commitment to major incident coverage through the years. This month in history: the One Meridian Plaza fire in Philadelphia, PA, and the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI.
One Meridian Plaza Fire
The One Meridian Plaza fire claimed the lives of three of Philadelphia’s bravest. After 19 hours of firefighting, nine sprinkler heads suppressed the 12-alarm fire that started on the 22nd floor and eventually climbed to the 30th floor. Today, this historic fire is recognized as the incident that brought pressure-reducing devices to the forefront, and highlighted the need for federal legislation requiring high-rise structures to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems.
Station Nightclub Fire
The Station Nightclub fire represents the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history, with 100 civilians perishing. The Station Nightclub fire continues to serve as a driving factor for sprinkler legislation and more comprehensive codes related to pyrotechnics, fire resistive interior finishes and other life-safety codes throughout the nation.
