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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Sprinkler systems should be mandatory for all places of assembly. Existing clubs/bars/restaurants built years ago should not be allowed to grandfather the old building codes that don't require sprinklers, numerous exit signs, or additional exits. The technology today makes sprinkler systems and piping relatively cheap, and seamless to install. ISD and the Fire Department should be allowed to force buildings closed if they're not up to par. A $10,000 sprinkler system at The Station would have saved everyone inside.

Joe P., Allston

Just to even think about what those victems went though last night is very scary.I believe that the fault should lead to the owners,promoters and the band for not thinking about the possibility of the worst case scenerio at every event and try to have a solution for this type of tragity. This should never of happened and I hope other owners and proformers start thinking with their head and not their wallets.

Rich, Auburn

When something happens like this everyone has ideas on safety. If all clubs and buildings had to install sprinklers, most would be closed, or they'd jack up the price like going to a Sox game. Why go out if you're going stand near the exit, or spend time checking if the fire extingushers work or asking the bouncer when the last building inspection was made. Get a life or stay home.

fred, southbridge

Better Management or Ownership. There isn't anything else left to say.... If you aren't going to keep patrons safe, then why bother owning something you can't control????

Amanda, Lynn MA

Hands down, it is the responsibility of the bar/club. Great White cannot be blamed. As soon as the manager saw the pyrotechnics go off, he should have halted the show at once. It is his responsibility to oversee eveything that is occuring in his establishment. All the exits should have been readily available and the staff, not just the Station, but all staffs should be trained to handle fire situations.

Jay, Tewksbury

Why would you use pirotechnics in a small club like that? It seems that someone is lying. Whoever is lying should be held liable. This is horrific.

Ed, Scituate,Ma

It is truly tragic what happened in Warwick. As many have mentioned, however, people knew where the exits were and there were several. You can't predict how people are going to react in an emergency. A lot of people just stood there (at first), saying "cool" assuming the fire was part of the act. Others pushed and shoved and trampled in panic. The bottom line in this instance was not exits but that pyro was allowed at all. Since we all have time to respond to this, take 5 minutes to read the account of the Cocoanut Grove fire..truly horrific and the reason we have fire codes today.

jenn, hyannis

For one thing, what is a band that is playing 200-300 seat venues doing with a pyro display? That is the first question that needs to be asked. As for club safety, it is no secret that club owners and concert promoters are greedy. Clubs are always oversold and filled above legal capacity. It was only a matter of time before innocent people were killed. I think that more needs to be done to ensure compliance with state and local codes, but it is a system where corruption runs rampant. Unfortunately, this sort of thing can kill live music, because liability insurance will now sky rocket in light of these events and it will become harder for bands to be able to perform without losing money.

Lance , Revere

Why not install a "light path" in the floor directing people to exits? I think it would be awesome if someone could invent a way to install a light-sensored luminescent path (similar to the bright green night lights I use in my home) that would be triggered by darkness. I'm also thinking they would be less apt to "melt" like the wiring in a ceiling mounted exit sign.

spit, plymouth

There should be several public service announcements throughout the night, either by the owners or d.j.'s in these establishments that have such large crowds, as to where exits are to make patrons aware of emergency exits.

Mary, Saugus