The Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, has burned down hundreds of people and left more than 150 injured. Close to 500 people came to a show where the events unfolded. Witnesses observed the ceiling ablaze as pyrotechnics used during the show spread the fire quickly.

As investigations go on, officials have apprehended 20 people, among which the club manager is included. The North Macedonian government has announced a seven-day mourning period in reaction to the disaster.

Nightclub Fire Disasters: A Retrospective

Some of history most fatal structure fires have been caused by nightclub fires. At least 24 nightclub fires have killed 10 or more people since 1940, together claiming more than 2,800 lives.

The 1942 Cocoanut Grove blaze in Boston, where flammable decorations and locked exits resulted in 492 deaths, is among the most severe disasters. Likewise in Argentina, the 2004 República Cromañón blaze killed 194 when pyrotechnics set off flammable products.

The Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil in 2013, which killed 242 people, and the Mountain B nightclub fire in Thailand (2022), which claimed 23 lives, are among more recent tragedies. In Spain last year (2023), a fire at the Fonda Milagros nightclub killed 13 people.

Pulse nightclub in North Macedonia now adds to this terrible roster.

What makes night clubs naturally vulnerable to fires?

A survey of previous nightclub fires shows typical trends; severity results from two main causes:

1) Explosives and flammable substances

Enclosed properties in nightclub fires are often started by pyrotechnics. Although these planned explosions are intended to create light effects, smoke, or fire, they can also very easily set off combustible materials.

Pyrotechnics have been linked to six of the deadliest nightclub fires, including:

The Station nightclub fire (US, 2003)
Kiss nightclub fire (Brazil, 2013)
Colectiv nightclub fire (Romania, 2015)
Lame Horse nightclub fire (Russia, 2009)
República Cromañón nightclub fire (Argentina, 2004)

Even when pyrotechnics are not involved, flammable materials such as insulation foam, wooden paneling, plastic decorations, and carpeted walls can fuel a blaze. The Cocoanut Grove fire was intensified by artificial palm trees and highly flammable decor.

Even without pyrotechnics, carpeted walls, plastic ornaments, wooden paneling, and insulating foam can all ignite a fire. Artificial palm trees and highly flammable decorations helped to fuel the Cocoanut Grove fire.

2. Congestion and inadequate exits

Nearly every big nightclub fire has been influenced by evacuation mistakes. People fight to get away from tight exits in overfilled spaces; these may fast become bottlenecks.

Other factors that worsen evacuation efforts include:

Intoxicated patrons unable to respond quickly
Dim lighting reducing visibility
Locked or blocked emergency exits, as seen in past disasters

Sometimes, delaying the evacuation, smoke machines and loud music have also caused confusion.

Preventing Future Nightclub Fire Tragedies

Strict safety rules must be followed to stop such catastrophes since nightclubs are hazardous settings. Key indicators comprise:

Banning indoor pyrotechnics and fireworks
Ensuring fire suppression systems (sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors)
Enforcing capacity limits to prevent overcrowding
Maintaining clear, accessible emergency exits at all times

Countries like Australia have stringent fire safety laws, which mandate businesses to have trained personnel, fire suppression systems, and emergency exits. Public knowledge is also essential since clients have to be ready to quickly leave if necessary.

The North Macedonia nightclub fire is a harsh reminder that without appropriate safety precautions, nightclubs can become dead traps too fast.