witnesses have said either a flare or fireworks lit by band members may have started the fire. brazilian police stated that the fire began when the band gurizada fandangueira ignited a pyrotechnic device (similar to a signaling flare) while performing on stage. the flare then ignited flammable acoustic foam in the ceiling. according to the authorities, other reasons for the high death toll include the lack of emergency exits (the only access in and out of the building was the front door) and the fact that the number of people inside exceeded the maximum capacity by hundreds.