Stardust disco investigation - Some observations on the full-scale fire tests

Abstract From witness reports it appears that the occupants of the disco watched the fire in the west alcove with interest and made no effort to leave. However, after only a very few minutes — probably little more than five — the fire had developed so quickly that in the ensuing rush to escape, 48 people died. This paper discusses how full-scale tests established the possible mechanism for a seemingly small fire in a single seating unit to suddenly and rapidly develop into a large one placing all life in the disco club at risk.