Memorial services are planned at Kent County YMCA in Warwick and at the site of the blaze in West Warwick.

05:18 PM EDT on Wednesday, August 20, 2003

Six months ago today, a fire engulfed The Station nightclub, in West Warwick, killing 100 people and injuring more than 200.

Today, several people toured the Cowesett Avenue site where the club once stood. In its place, crosses have been erected for each victim. Informal memorials of flowers and personal trinkets also dot the land, now shaded green with summer grass.

Two events are scheduled to mark the day, one at the site and one at the nearby YMCA. A Mass of remembrance was also to be held during the day in Providence.

The Mass was scheduled at 12:10 p.m. at St. Francis Chapel at 58 Weybosset St. Open to all, the service will feature prayers for the victims and continued healing of victims' families and those who were hurt in the fire.

"A Service of Healing and Remembrance" will be held tonight at 6:30 at the amphitheater on the grounds of the Kent County YMCA in memory of the victims and in honor of the survivors, police, fire, rescue and hospital personnel.

Journal photo / Bill Murphy ONE FOR ALL: Mark Johnson of Cranston lights a candle today at one of the 100 crosses erected at the site of The Station fire in West Warwick. Johnson brought 100 candles -- one for each person who died from the blaze.

The Rev. John E. Holt, of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, will conduct the service, and chaplains from Kent County Hospital and several surrounding police and fire departments will also participate. Handwritten invitations were sent to the families of the 100 people who lost their lives in the fire. A litany of the 100 names will be read, and the West Warwick High School Jazz Band will play.

The YMCA is on Centerville Road in Warwick. If it rains, the service will be postponed until Aug. 27.

At 7:30 tonight, at the site of the fire at 211 Cowesett Ave., in West Warwick, the Rev. Susan Asselin will conduct a nondenominational memorial service to mark the six-month anniversary as well. She has been conducting short services at the site on the 20th of every month, and attendance has been growing.

There will be a performance by Jesika Toracinta of her song, "Going Home," which was written about the fire.

A petition will be circulated asking that a memorial be built on the site to remember the victims of the fire.