The International Nightlife Association (INA) extends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by the devastating fire that occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, this past Sunday in the early morning hours. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of 59 lives and left over 155 individuals injured.
The fire reportedly broke out during a live concert, allegedly triggered by pyrotechnic devices. The ensuing panic led to a tragic stampede as attendees attempted to escape. Preliminary investigations have revealed significant safety violations, including the absence of proper licensing and inadequate safety measures such as emergency exits and fire extinguishers, the use of pyrotechnics in an indoor space, and a lack of fire-proof material on the ceiling. Authorities have detained several individuals for questioning, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact causes and accountability for this tragedy.
Joaquim Boadas, Secretary General of the International Nightlife Association, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, stating, "We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic event. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and we wish a swift recovery to those injured. From the INA, we demand a thorough investigation into the causes of the fire, that all responsibilities be clarified, and that all those responsible or co-responsible for this multiple homicide be held accountable for their actions or omissions."
INA Reinforces the Need for Stricter Safety Measures in Nightlife Venues Worldwide
The International Nightlife Association (INA) underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols within nightlife venues across the globe. The recent tragedy at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when fire prevention regulations and licensing requirements are not properly enforced.
This incident highlights the urgent need for governments, local authorities, and venue operators to prioritize fire prevention by ensuring that establishments comply with mandatory safety inspections, emergency response planning, and appropriate staff training. Nightclubs and entertainment venues must have marked emergency exits and fire suppression systems to prevent disasters of this magnitude.
Michael Kill, Vice President of the International Nightlife Association (INA) and CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA UK) stated, “I am heartbroken by the devastating fire at Club Pulse in Kocani, North Macedonia, which claimed 59 young lives and injured over 150 others. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for robust fire safety measures and licensing enforcement in nightlife venues worldwide. Reports indicate the club was overcrowded and operating without proper authorization—failures that cost innocent lives. We must strengthen safety protocols to prevent such disasters. Our deepest condolences go to the victims’ families and all those affected by this horrific event.”
A Century of Nightclub Fires: 68 Incidents and 4,659 Lives Lost , All of Which Were Avoidable
Throughout the last century, nightclub fires have caused devastation across the globe, claiming thousands of lives. The tragic fire at Brazil’s Kiss nightclub was not the previous nightclub fire in recent years. In 2015, a devastating blaze broke out at Colectiv nightclub in Bucharest, Romania, during an illegal indoor pyrotechnic display, resulting in 64 fatalities. Following the incident, the club’s owners were arrested and prosecuted. Other deadly nightclub fires in the last decades include:
- Lame Horse (Perm, Rusia, 2009)
- Santika Club (Bangkok, Tailandia, 2009)
- Factory Nightclub (Quito, Ecuador, 2008)
With nearly 4,700 lives lost in the past century due to nightclub fires, these tragedies were a key factor in the creation of the International Nightlife Association (INA) and it’s safety standards like the International Nightlife Safety Checked (INSC) Seal. Since 2012, the INA and its affiliated associations in Spain, the United States, United Kingdom, Colombia, Italy, Mexico, and Argentina have worked relentlessly to improve safety in nightlife venues.
To strengthen these efforts further, the INA is in the final stages of developing an International Nightclub Fire Prevention Guide with Appleton Private University, Preventia, and the Professional Association of Fire Technicians in Spain (APTB). This specialized safety manual is explicitly tailored for nightlife venues and will be launched by the end of the year. This guide will provide venue owners and operators with best practices, risk assessment protocols, and actionable steps to enhance fire prevention measures. By implementing these guidelines, nightlife establishments can significantly reduce the likelihood of fire-related tragedies and ensure a safer environment for patrons and staff.
As of today, with the latest nightclub fire in Macedonia, the total number of nightclub fires since 1928 has risen to 68, with a total death toll of 4,659, all of which were avoidable. The last tragedy before Macedonia to remember is the fire that occurred in a nightclub in Murcia (Spain) in 2023, which resulted in a total of 13 fatalities. It is currently under judicial process, in which Spain Nightlife, an affiliated association of the INA, is acting as a widespread prosecution.
