Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-28.01-2. Legislative findings

(1) Fires are a significant and preventable cause of the loss of life in the state;

(2) Catastrophic fires, while rare, have happened in the state with tragic loss of life;

(3) Fire safety and building codes can provide standards that substantially reduce the risk of death, injury, and property damage caused by fires;

(4) Compliance with codes is critical to their being an effective means for achieving the reduction of both risks and losses;

(5) Codes are more effective when they are comprehensive in their application, up-to-date, and integrated;

(6) Rhode Island has a long history of developing, adopting, and implementing codes as conditions in the state have changed and the means and practice of fire safety have evolved;  and

(7) Rhode Island, in 2003, wishes in response to the tragic fire at “The Station” nightclub, in West Warwick, to improve fire safety throughout the state.