These 'Theatre Detail Officers' were required to be in the theatre a half-hour before the performance, test the fire alarms, inspect fire wall doors and the fire curtain, and, during performances, ensure that aisles, passageways and fire exits remain clear and accessible. In the days following city officials were met with many families seeking news on loved ones and temporary financial support. The overwhelming demand of financial support caused undue stress on public finances due to disorganization. Due to many dishonest, "affected families" the mayor cut off public funds for the fire victims he called instead for a private organization to vet and systemize welfare for the victims affected by the disaster. Private relief funds were not uncommon at the time. After the Brooklyn Theatre Fire, the Brooklyn Theatre Fire Relief Association was formed to simplify efforts to support the families of the fire's victims. The relief efforts promptly raised $40,000 for the fire victims. Of the almost 300 fire victims, 188 families received aid from the BTFRA. Most families that were not helped either did not ask or had other means of support. The privatization of disaster relief was part of a greater effort to enhance urban welfare. The fear of some in the public was that relief funds would be used to buy votes instead of helping the poor. The Brooklyn Theatre Fire Relief Association's success led to the elimination of outdoor relief from the Brooklyn county budget in 1878. The BTFRA was dissolved in 1879 however, the association had a lasting impact on welfare and disaster relief in America . By 1900, outdoor relief was halted in most major urban areas in the United States. Kate Claxton wrote about the fire nine years later:""  Kate Claxton's career drastically changed and was closely associated with this incident. It became a pop culture phenomenon to associate any major fire that occurred with her. She disliked this attention, but it did boost her popularity as people were drawn to potential drama ("Kate Claxton, Fire Jinx"). Haverly's Theatre was erected on the same site in 1879, but it was razed 11 years later to make way for new offices of "The Brooklyn Daily Eagle". Mid-20th century urban renewal subsumed Washington Street, Flood's Alley, and the site of the fire, giving rise to Cadman Plaza. Cadman Plaza East follows the old Washington Street course but now terminates at Johnson Street. The New York Supreme Court Building is nearest to the site, now occupied by a park on the west side of the courthouse. Notes Bibliography