Updated 1:40 p.m.
PROVIDENCE -- The West Warwick fire chief and police chief were among town
officials who answered questions today as attorneys in potential civil
suits try to learn more about The Station nightclub in the wake of the
disastrous fire there.
Fire Chief Charles Hall, Police Chief Peter Brousseau and Building
Inspector Stephen Murray left attorney Max Wistow's office without
revealing what they were asked.
"I really don't have any comment," Brousseau said as he left the office.
Wistow and other attorneys representing victims' families and fire
survivors questioned the officials to determine what materials were used
in the single-story, wooden frame nightclub and who made those products.
The lawyers are trying to build a case against product manufacturers and
others they say are responsible for the rapid spread of the fire and the
toxic fumes emitted by its smoke. The Feb. 20 fire, started by a band's
pyrotechnics, killed 100 people and injured about 200.
Town Manager Wolfgang Bauer was due to appear later today at Wistow's
office.
In the subpoenas, Wistow asked for permit or zoning applications, liquor
or other license applications, building inspections, fire inspections,
reports of injuries or other incidents, and complaints of any kind.
Bauer has said most of the documents requested have already been
released to the public, either through the media or by other lawyers.
Lawyers also have indicated that once the West Warwick officials are
deposed, requests for documents will be sent to foam manufacturers, club
promoters, contractors and others who did renovations at the club or did
business there.
