[SML] Oakland warehouse fire

[Jerry Durand]

On 12/04/2016 11:05 AM, Bruce Purdy via Stagecraft wrote:
> 	I’m of two minds on this one. Obviously, I’m pro safety, and this one had a lot of problems in that regard - but I’m also concerned about excessive regulation.
>
> 	I recall in the mid 70’s attending a theatrical production in a “Found space” in a dilapidated warehouse in Sand Francisco. They put together a set in the middle of this huge warehouse and set up maybe a hundred folding chairs in theatre style seating. The show was good, and I was impressed with the low budget “make do” nature of the event.
>
> 	Whilst safety is paramount, I hate to see regulations that prevent such seat of the pants creativity.
>
> Bruce
> -----
> Bruce Purdy
> Central New York Magic Theatre Co.
> http://brucepurdy.com
>

It seems 100 folding chairs and a stage in the middle of a large open
warehouse isn't particularly dangerous, if the stage burst into flame
everyone could easily get a safe distance away and then leave the
building...even with a single door.

Risk balancing is always difficult, the public want to receive zero risk
but only pay for certain death.  I don't want to toss people onto the
street if they can't afford "real" houses, people can live in sheds and
found spaces with relative safety compared to the alternative.  But an
entire shanty-town stuffed into a warehouse is asking for problems.