This letter is in response to the Rhode Island nightclub fire at "The Station", with the 'not so' "Great White" band on February 20th 2003, that killed 100 people and injured 200. . KLS has a vested interest making sure that the public is educated and informed about the safe use of pyrotechnics. This letter of observation, has been sent to 50 Newspapers and repeated on 2 TV interviews.

WATCH The CH2 / KLS Spot

This letter is the sole representation of Patrick Sittnick's opinions.

"You can't legislate against human stupidity, but the purpose of our codes is to limit the consequences of it," - John Hall
of the National Fire Protection Association, USA Today

.

.

My name is Patrick Sittnick I am a Pyrotechnician. I assist in training Metro's Fire Dept. Inspectors on pyrotechnic safety. I will be on a panel for rewriting Tennessee Annotated Laws on Fireworks. I have a vested interest in the public's safety and understanding of proper pyrotechnic use.

This event was the 9/11 equivalent in the pyrotechnics industry. Instead of terrorist, the killers were lawless hobbyists that have left a trail of death, destruction, fear and continued financial loss.

My opinion based upon current information, the Band is at fault for bypassing the permit. The Club is at fault for building fire code violations.

Small clubs can safely use Pyro,if all the well established and extensive Pyro codes are followed. I have observed at least 46 * pyro code violations, notwithstanding building codes. The pyro effect was too high, too close to the audience and pointed at the wrong material. I often demonstrate the same effect used in RI. to Inspectors as one of the safest effects by walking into it.

The tendency in this type of situation is to increase the codes and laws. There are many Pyro codes on the books already. More laws are not the answer, just enforce what is there. The debate on whether the band got permission from the club is irrelevant. The club has no authority to grant permission. That is the job of the on site Fire Inspector.

The RI deaths occurred due to a lack of a permit. If permitted they would have had at the show;

1. A state licensed operator present.

2. A Fire Inspector in the room with a radio communication to the fire hall.

3. Preshow testing of each effect.

4. Minimum of two extra fire extinguishers within arms reach.

Pyro is the Latin word meaning fire. Will fire cause fire? Yes, but the difference between the amateurs and the professionals, is we have trained personal and fire fighting gear on site to stop it.

Neither Laws or Club Owners will ever be able to stop a technician, musician, magician, high school student or teacher from illegally setting down a Pyro effect five seconds before their performance. The only defense to this is an effective offense.

Suggestions for the future;
1. Public hotline to report over crowded clubs. In Nashville 826-8600.

2. Mandated sprinklers in ALL performance venues.

3. Federal ATF restriction on point of sale, to the public of stage pyrotechnics. Local or Internet sales only to persons with a valid permit or license.

4. Consult a Pyro company for a free consultation. If the effect simply will not work Laser is always an option.

Unfortunately, this event has canceled many shows for KLS. I understand their fears, but only hope logic and understanding will replace it.

Patrick Sittnick, President
Kozmic Lazer Show, LLC
2/24/3

.

Kozmic Lazer Show is a National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Member.

.

.

.Read theCNN interview with

(over 30 years in the industry)

.

.

.Read Associated Press

Club Bought Deadly Foam

.

.
*KLS preliminary observation of 46 violations of NFPA 1126.

(see www.NFPA.org)

4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.5.1
5.1
6.1.1
6.1.1.1
6.1.1.2
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.7
6.3.8
6.4.1
6.4.3
6.5.1
6.5.3
6.5.5
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.6.3
6.6.5
6.7.4
6.7.7
A.1.1.1
A.6.1.1
A.6.1.6
A.6.4.1
B.1
B.1.1
B.1.2
B.1.3
B.1.2
C.2

Respectfully,

Patrick Sittnick
President
Kozmic Lazer Show LLC.
615.391.3226 Office
615.391.3265 Facsimile
800.MR.LASER Toll Free
MRLASER800@aol.com
Postal Office Box 140197
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
http://www.kozmiclazershow.com

.

Home   Clients   Effects   Technical   Show Form     Photos/AVI     KLS Links