In the wake of last night's fatal fire at a Rhode Island nightclub and a stampede earlier this week at a Chicago venue, safety measures at clubs nationwide will likely be reevaluated. What measures should be taken in Boston to ensure the safety of its nightspots? What lessons can be learned -- by venue owners and concertgoers alike -- in terms of safety at clubs? .

Page 14

The fire codes seem to be hollow when events such as the disaster in Rhode Island occur. And why did it take so long for fire crews to respond? Then there's the greed of the operators: Sure, sprinklers weren't required, but with so many occupants in a small space, extra safety would be needed. Pyro type performances are way out of line in marginal code buildings. Isn't that obvious!!! But I would tell my kids that we cannot rely upon others to protect us without putting some of our own effort into the mix, such as locating exits in advance. That takes mental discipline.

Ted, Scituate

I was more than surprised to learn that there was no sprinkler system in the club. I'd have thought that sprinklers would be required by law or by safety inspectors or fire inspectors in any public establishment where groups gather behind closed doors to do anything at all. Now all this loss of life.

Sue, West Roxbury

It was absolutely terrible what happened last night, and it will hopefully make people more aware of where the emergency exits are in the future. I don't think it was anyone's fault that this tragedy happened. I'm sure the guilt that Great White and the owners of the club have is more than enough for any kind of punishment they could possibly receive. I'd like to believe no one went in there last night with the evil intention of burning it to the ground. It was a disturbing tragedy, something that we will all remember for a long time. -Liz

Elizabeth, Middleboro, MA

The RI and Chicago tragedies had different causes. The RI tragedy was due to a fire hazzard (i.e., purposely having a fire in the name of entertainment). The Chicago fire was caused by untrained security guards with poor judgement -- no one should mace a crowd, which inevitably will create a stampede (duh). Although there's no guarantee of safety (the thick smoke masked exits), patrons in any enclosed space should become acquainted with exits. Owners should make them abundant, visible, unlocked, and guarded, and be required to have sprinkler systems. Cities should have unscheduled site inspections often when the establishment is open (to see how it operates) and when it is closed.

Susan, Mansfield

It is a very sad day. 1)sprinklers should be mandated in any bar,resturant or club. 2)pyrotechnics should never be allowed inside. 3)There should be more than 1 police detail officer for a crowd of 300. 4)when entering a bar,club for a concert the club should let patrons know where the exits are. 5)there should signs lighted posted for exits WE ALL NEED TO PRAY NOW FOR THE VICTIMS AND THIER FAMILIES. MY GRANDMOTHER'S SISTER DIED IN THE COCONUT GROVE FIRE IN NOVEMBER OF 1942. THESE DEATHS NEED TO STOP. WE SHOULD THINK OF SAFETY FIRST. SEEING A CONCERT IS OK BUT NOT WORTH RISKING LIVES. PLEASE IF YOU OWN A BAR/CLUB PLEASE THINK HARD ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE PATRONS DO NOT HIDE BEHIND CODES BE TOUHER THAN THE CODES. NOT JUST MEET SAFETY CODES BUT EXCEED THEM. LETS US ALL PRAY THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN.

frank, lowell

I think the Department of Public Safety should put together a task force charged with the responsibility of checking all the establishments with a certain capacity to make sure that they are up to code, and have proper sprinklers, and exits!

Mary, Braintree

No fireworks at all in any building! It is an absolute shame that the band used fireworks in such a small venue as The Station. What were these people thinking!

Janine , Cambridge, MA

Ive been in a band whos toured and played many nightclubs and i am appalled at the near thought that any music group or band would even think about doing Piro in such a small venue!! It is such a stupid and tragic desision as weve just seen. Piro is meant to be done by big artists such as Metallica and Creed etc and to be done in Large venues such as Giants stadium or the Fleetcenter with the proper personel. I hope there be a national law banning use of Pirotechnics in clubs and that this foolish act never happens again!

Freddy, Somerville Mass

Are any clubs responsible for their own actions or for the people that they bring through there doors? The City if Chicago should be ashamed for passing the buck and so should the owner in Rhode Island. In Chicago supposedly the City ordered them to be shut down..so 25 people die because the city can't enforce its so called 'regulations.' Now we here that the owner in Rhode Island said there was no permission granted for the pyrotechnics that were used? Was everyone that watched the band setup unable to recognize what they were doing? Ridiculous. Much like the City of Chicago the owner of the club is responsible for the environment he/they provide. Keep passing the buck, maybe it'll make you a few in the long run.

Chris, New York, NY

Enforce the laws! They are there to protect us not restrict us!

Anon, Marlboro