Fire Safety | Video

Alex Hagan | 2/1/2013

In the wake of one of the deadliest nightclub fires in history, safety precautions are expected to take a higher priority at bars and nightclubs. Bismarck-Mandan business owners say they are now a little more wary of those kinds of situations.

A nightclub fire in Brazil claimed the lives of more than 200 people. All exits had been locked except for one. Bismarck-Mandan area bars have to meet city fire codes.

"On a Friday and Saturday night we probably have between 150 to 200 people," said Captain Freddy`s co-owner Susie White.

Captain Freddy`s is one of the more crowded night clubs. In case of an emergency, employees make sure everyone gets out safely.

"We can exit from pretty much every area in the bar then," White said.

The Bismarck Fire Department frequently checks on bars and nightclubs. They make sure exit signs are operating, emergency lighting turns on, and sprinklers are working.

"Point out risks that they may have associated with fire safety or safety in general in the building and then we have them correct them as we find them," said Fire Marshal Ron Kunda.

If you are involved in an emergency, Kunda says to be aware of your surroundings. "Know where the allotted exits are. Know what to do if a fire alarm is sounding."

Kunda says the Bismarck Fire Department has a great relationship with local bar owners and if there`s a problem with fire code, owners fix those issue pretty quickly. "They`re well aware of what they`re capacity is and we`ve really not had a lot of issues with that happening here."

White says she never has any problems. "We don`t have that large of a capacity."

However, after tragedy struck the night club in Brazil just last week, White says she will make sure to keep her bar fire safe.
Kunda says pyrotechnics caused both the Brazil and Rhode Island nightclub fires. They are banned in all Bismarck-Mandan bars and nightclubs.

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