Fire official: Checks and balances prevent Brazil nightclub-style fire in Clark County

Girard Page, senior deputy fire chief with the Clark County Fire Department, said Sunday that government officials abide by a checks-and-balance system meant to ensure that a similar tragedy that occurred in Brazil doesn't happen in Southern Nevada.

Page said anytime a pyrotechnics company wants to put on a show at a county nightclub, it has to get a permit through a local fire department. The company also has to be licensed through the state.

In addition, nightclubs follow "stringent" building and fire codes, Page said. He added that his agency reviews licenses of pyrotechnic companies and also scrutinizes the companies' permits for things such as floor plans, location of exits and what type of pyrotechnics will be used.

Fire officials also conduct field experiments before shows and witness planned pyrotechnics before they are revealed to the public.

"The people who come here can feel they are in the safest buildings in the world," Page said. "We spend a significant amount of energy making sure people have a safe time."

Page said that when tourists and locals head to nightclubs, they need to "be aware of their surroundings." He said this includes looking for the nearest exit and the safest way to get to that exit.

He said clubgoers often want to leave the club through the same door they entered.

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.