FDNY Closure of Myss Tic Escape Rooms

The 2022 FDNY (Fire Department of New York) closure of Myss Tic Escape Rooms represents a contemporary example of regulatory enforcement against immersive entertainment venues that fail to maintain fire safety standards. The closure was prompted by multiple critical violations including: locked exit doors that could prevent evacuation, inadequate emergency lighting to guide patrons to exits, and missing or non-functional fire suppression systems.

The Myss Tic closure is particularly relevant to the haunt industry because it demonstrates regulatory agencies’ zero-tolerance approach to fire safety violations in immersive entertainment venues. Whether the business is an escape room, haunted attraction, or other immersive experience, the fire safety standards are non-negotiable. NFPA 101 Special Amusement Building provisions require automatic door releases on emergency exits, continuous emergency lighting, fire suppression systems, and regular inspections. Failure to comply results in closure and potential criminal liability.

The practical implications for haunt operators are stark: fire safety compliance is not optional and not subject to waiver. No liability release can excuse an operator who locks patrons into a room in violation of fire codes. Regulatory violations can result in closure, fines, and criminal prosecution. Moreover, a fire safety violation creates potential criminal liability that extends beyond civil liability—prosecutors may pursue charges against operators who knowingly or recklessly violate fire safety codes that result in injury or death. The Myss Tic case serves as a sobering reminder that fire safety compliance is a foundational legal obligation, and violations can terminate a business immediately.