'Most of them are fire hazards': What makes nightclubs a recipe for disaster

PANAJI: Nightclubs face inherent fire risks due to their design characteristics, and the tragic fire at Birch by Romeo Lane at Arpora demonstrates that enforcement remains a critical, if not absent, factor, experts told TOI.“To be honest, most nightclubs are fire hazards,” said an officer from the directorate of fire and emergency services. “Most of them operate without an NOC from the fire department.” Pyrotechnics used during performances have been among the most common causes of nightclub fires, with history repeatedly showing their deadly consequences. “Fireworks without proper isolation distances present a severe and unacceptable fire risk,” said directorate of fire and emergency services, Nitin Raiker. Nightclubs, by their nature and design, are a recipe for disaster. They use soundproofing foam, decorative materials, and combustible material that allow fires to spread rapidly. The loud music, flashing lights, low lighting levels, alcohol consumption, and smoke machines can disorient patrons. Panic and euphoria in a crowded room can spark stampedes towards exits during emergencies.Nightclubs in the state are governed by the Goa Fire and Emergency Services Act, the Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008 & Regulations, 2010, and The Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.Many deadly nightclub fires occur in venues without automatic fire sprinkler systems, allowing flames to spread uncontrolled. Research shows that automatic sprinklers are among the most effective in suppressing flames. The Goa (Regulation of Land Development and Building Construction) Act, 2008, & regulations, 2010, stipulate the need for fire exits, ventilation, building codes, and access points. Basements in nightclubs are frowned upon. According to the Goa Fire and Emergency Services Act, any person intending to construct or build a structure more than 15m tall for business or commercial purposes must obtain a fire no-objection certificate.Most nightclubs fail to comply with these norms. “Basements represent high-risk zones due to limited natural ventilation, delayed smoke stratification, restricted egress routes, and rapid accumulation of toxic combustion products such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and carbon dioxide (CO₂),” said a DFES document.