Cocoanut Grove Fire - Research Paper Example

According to Cochran (2003), the five deadliest fires that happened in nightclubs in the US are: Historically, the most grave fire accident that killed 492 people happened in Cocoanut Grove nightclub. Based from the event that happened last November 28, 1942, revisions in the NFPA codes were updated. The events on that day are recorded and can be accessed through archived newspapers and journals, and through the internet for anyone who wants to know about the incident. Cocoanut Grove was a nightclub and restaurant standing gallantly along the Piedmont Street of Boston.

The place become colorful, lively and crowded with many party goers during the nights. During the 1940’s, the Grove was considered as the place to be. The place is only open during night time where food and liquor are served accompanied by various forms of entertainment. They are permitted by the Boston Licensing Board to sell food and alcoholic beverages (Reilly, 1943). Cocoanut Grove was erected around 1916 composed of first class single story building made up of reinforced concrete covering about 10,250 square feet.

According to Boston Fire Historical Society (n.d), the first floor of the building contained the restaurant with a large dining room, a ballroom with a bandstand, and several bars. The roof overhead the dining area is retractable with automatic rolling device overhead which can be opened during warm season and summertime for direct and clear view of the sky at night. The center of the room was the dance floor. The Melody Lounge which was located at the basement was designed with an octagonal shape.

The main entrance to the building was through a revolving door. The building allowed the public to have access only on the first floor. But there were other floors on the building that were intended for the business. The second floor was used to contain motors and a third floor was used for the