The modern way to exit a burning building: Shoot video and get your hand stamped. Another look at the Detoit Auto Show fire.

See our earlier coverage of the fire at Cobo Center, including fireground audio

There is a fire inside Detroit’s massive Cobo Center, the venue for the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Smoke has filled part of the hall down to floor level. The fire alarm has sounded. Announcements are being made telling people to leave.

Getting a hand stamp on the way out of a fire.

I don’t think any of you would be surprised to learn that many of those who are supposed to be leaving are instead focusing on using their cameras on the way out. Some are actually going toward the fire to get the pictures. Their actions are as bad as TV reporters and photographers (did I really say that?). Of cpurse, this is par for the course these days.

But what you will see on the video above at about 3:35 even stuns me a little bit. Instead of making sure all of the exits are clear and there is free access out of the hall, someone got the bright idea to have the staff offer to stamp hands of those attending the event so they could get back in without paying. A generous thought, but should that be the priority?

This isn’t being done outside on the street, but inside the lobby area, slowing the exit.

Am I the only one who thinks this might not have been a real good idea from a life safety standpoint?

Whatever happened to walk, do not run to the nearest exit, and do not delay in leaving the building? Is that just too old fashioned?

Also on STATter911 …

• Must see video: When public safety officials decide what the public can see. A Connecticut trooper turned censor. – December 7, 2010
• Some Firehouse Expo reminders: Better Angels; Booth #743; Stair Climb; Uno Meetup; IAFF Local 734 events; Dave is on social media panel. – July 20, 2011
• Priorities: Evacuation plan? Fire & smoke in American Airlines Center in Dallas & no one seems in any hurry to order Rihanna fans to leave. But the star makes a quick exit. – July 9, 2011
• Handling the bad news: Estero, Florida firefighters say chief ordered them to leave fire engine & serve alcohol, topless at private fundraiser. Fire commission extends stories life with vague answers. – December 20, 2011