From what Jack Russell said in his interview with CNN, the band was using a "safe, indoor," type of pyrotechnic, possibly of the type you're describing. Unfortunately, there is no telling what kind of problems or materials that any club may have at anytime. For one, the club was using egg-packing foam as sound insulation on the back and sides of the stage. It was this foam which was hit by the sparks which is clearly seen in the video. Unfortunately, this material is extremely flammable. Also, the club's interior looks much like one of the clubs in Anaheim, CA, The Shack (now closed) with lots of carpet and wood paneling throughout the club.
Add on top of this that you may not know all of what's inside the club, the condition of it, etc., you could end up in a situation where what is supposed to be a "cold spark" pyrotechnic device could turn deadly, as seen on the video.
Domenic Santana, owner of The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, stated that the band didn't have permission to use ANY pyro at the show on Valentine's Day and nearly pulled the band off the stage unless it was made clear that the band would not use their pyro. He also stated that had the band made mention of the pyro during the pre-production of the show, they would have made arrangements with the local fire marshall to check all the pyrotechnic devices, the particular pyro effects that would be used and they could then determine what would be safe to use in the club. They also could have gotten the licensed pyrotechnicians and additional help with people on either side of the stage with fire extinguishers.
Mr. Santana also stated that from watching the video, that the band more than likely didn't have permission to use pyro as there would have been people on either side of the stage with fire extinguishers. Having seen the video this morning, you can see where what could have been an easily contained fire quickly got out of hand.
I guess GW are still missing a guitarist too...
