rewrite and paraphrases

I will be writing my paper on the 1903 fire at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago. The fire killed 620 people and resulted in both the federal and state adding fire codes to reflect requirements in maximum seating capacity, exit signage, exit doors, and the inclusion of sprinklers.

The fire was the largest and most devastating theater fire at that time. The biggest problem was that there were several levels of seating and for dressing rooms and props, but all levels used a single broad stairway. This was against the Chicago firer ordinances that required separate stairways and exits for each balcony. It was a disastrous design because the theater was filled beyond capacity, with many people standing room only.

During a matinee performance that afternoon, arc stage lighting ignited a muslin curtain. The fire was probably the result of an electrical short circuit. The stage manager attempted to drop an asbestos curtain, but the curtain snagged and failed to offer protection. People panicked as the fire spread rapidly; and patrons from every level tried to crowd into the single stairway to escape the building.

This particular fire and the consequences are of interest to me because I want to learn how to protect crowds in large venues.

References

Milke, J. (2014, 04). Iriquois Theater Fire in Chicago. Historic Fires That Changed Fire Codes. Retrieved 09, 2016, from http://w3.usa.siemons.com/building technology/fire protection