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? .

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Looking at the videos, I couldn't believe the lack of urgency in the actions of the club owners/workers. If they was a sense of urgency this tradegy would never have happened. The owners should take full blame. My heart goes out to those whose loved ones passed away.

Collins, Boston

I was listening to reports that no sprinkler system had been installed, but this was ok for building codes do not require places of that size to have them in place. Wouldn't it be a good idea in light of this tragedy to require all entertainment ( nightclubs) to have sprinkler systems. This most likely would have saved 75 out the 86 dead and prevented hundreds from burns etc.

Raymond , brockton

Sprinkler systems and emergency lighting should be a must at any public venue. Emergency exit doors should automatically open when the fire alarm is set off. Emergency exits should also be lit by a separate power source and identified by an auditory signal as well in the case of an emergency. Emergency exits only work if people can find them. Pyrotechnics should not be allowed at small venues. Did the band really need a pyro show for 300 people?

Joe, Boston

All rooms/buildings that are licensed to hold more than 100 people at a time should be required to have a spinkler system. Start with new construction and apply to existing structures within five or ten years.

David , East Bridgewater

May the survivor family and friends take comfort in their loved ones memories, solace that many unite with them in prayer and the strength to see them through the following days to come.

Patricia , Melrose

My heart and prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones. That is the best we can do during this tragic time.Answers and blame will follow but those victims will never return..

paul, everett

For owners and employees of clubs and/or nightclubs the fines should be raised to an almost ridiculous amount to help stop the stupidity and greediness of the owners and its managment. There is no responsible reason for allowing a club to be over its maximum capacity and NO public establishment that attracts large crowds should be allowed to function without ceiling sprinklers. It's common sense.

bubs, waltham

First, any sort of club, bar or public gathering space should be equipped with a sprinkler system no matter the square footage. Second, whoever was responsible for going behind the club owners' backs and using the pyrotechnics should be tried for murder.

Jason, Boston

ALL new buildings constructed from now on should be required to have sprinkler systems. This would include houses and commercial buildings everywhere. The only exemptions would be for unoccupied buildings (sheds, etc.) of a small size. Also, all existing commercial buildings should be required to install / retrofit sprinkler systems. A sprinkler system probably would have saved everyone - no one would have been burned, and no one would have created a stampede if the fire was put out quickly.

Dave, Ashland, MA

I haven't read all of these messages, so my message may be a repeat: I totally blame the club owner(s). Even though the inspectors claim that sprinklers were not necessary (which I disagree with) and they just passed their inspection 12/31/02, the owner(s) didn't have a permit to use pyrotechnics in the club. What were they thinking when they gave permission to the band to use them??!! Obviously, they weren't!

G, Boston