Theater Fires have a long and deadly history in the USA. The Iroquois Theater Fire occurred on December 30, 1903, in Chicago, Illinois. It is the deadliest theater fire and the deadliest single-building fire in United States history. A total of 602 people died as a result of the fire. The theater had three audience levels.

Fortunately, most new theaters include fire sprinkler systems and these systems save the property and occupants. Theater fires occur from a variety of causes including electrical, pyrotechnics, trash cans and popcorn machines. The Sprinkler Saves Website has several popcorn and theater fire saves all occurring in the past 5 years. See theater “Saves” here.

In December 2019 and February 2020, Conroe and Fort Bend Fire Marshals have reported fire sprinkler saves from fires that started in their movie theater popcorn machines. At the same time, Conroe Fire Department has worked proactively to help the downtown historic Crighton Theater install fire sprinklers during the theater’s recent remodeling process. Conroe Fire Department awarded the Phoenix Award for Fire Safety to the Crighton Theater on February 21, 2020.

The City of Conroe Fire Department recognized the Crighton Theatre Foundation for investing in the long-term survival of Montgomery County’s crown jewel, by adding a fire sprinkler system to the theatre during their remodel. This will not only ensure the survival of such an important icon; it will also increase the life safety of those attending its events immeasurably. The Crighton Theater and downtown Conroe were destroyed almost 100 years ago by a devastating fire on February 21, 1911.

If you know of a theater that needs a fire sprinkler retrofit; check out NFSA’s Tax Reform Incentives website. Assembly occupancies might qualify for a Section 179 – IRS Tax Deduction!