The Cocoanut Grove nightclub, located in Boston’s West End, was a popular destination for nightlife in the early 1940s. On the night of the fire, it was hosting a busy Saturday evening, filled with patrons enjoying music and dancing. Just before midnight, a fire was ignited, initially believed to be caused by a discarded cigarette that ignited the club’s highly flammable decor, which included palm fronds and other tropical materials. It spread rapidly, consuming the building in a matter of minutes. Many people found themselves trapped inside, facing locked exits and a chaotic environment that severely hindered evacuation efforts.

Witnesses reported that there were not only too few exits, but several were also locked, a tragic oversight that compounded the dangers of the rapidly spreading fire. As the situation escalated, firefighters arrived on the scene but were met with significant obstacles, including traffic and the overwhelming velocity of the flames. Rescuers worked valiantly but faced dire circumstances as they tried to save those still inside. The aftermath of the fire revealed the extent of the catastrophe, with 492 fatalities and hundreds more injured.

The Cocoanut Grove fire prompted a national conversation about fire safety regulations, particularly in nightlife establishments, leading to stricter enforcement of safety codes. This incident would haunt Boston's memory for years, and it became a catalyst for comprehensive safety reforms throughout the United States, including better exit designs, occupancy limits, and fire prevention measures.