RI fire marshal reacts to Brazil fire

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The state fire marshal says he is proud of the state's strict fire codes, in the wake of the Brazil nightclub tragedy.

Over 230 people were killed when fire swept through the Santa Maria nightclub early Sunday morning. It happened just weeks before the tenth anniversary of The Station nightclub fire in West Warwick, in which 100 people died.

• Photos: Deadly Nightclub Fire in Brazil

State Fire Marshal John Chartier says the tragedy that unfolded on the night of February 20, 2003 is something he will never forget.

"We went through a year after that with a lot of counseling," Chartier said. "What I saw that night at the Station fire drives me every day to make sure it doesn't happen again."

The Station fire led to sweeping changes to Rhode Island's fire codes. Nightclubs are now required to have sprinklers and fire extinguishers. They also have to submit to annual inspections.

Investigators in Brazil believe pyrotechnics set off by a band ignited soundproofing insulation, similar to what happened at The Station nightclub.