A Federal Way nightclub had a run-in with fire marshals.

Tao Restaurant and Lounge, 30333 Pacific Highway S. in Federal Way, was visited by deputy fire marshals on Jan. 15 and was caught with severe overcrowding.

When the fire marshals arrived, they had the building evacuated for an occupant count, Fire Marshal and South King Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Gordie Olson said. The fire marshals counted nearly 100 more occupants than what was allowed per the fire code.

Overcrowding can prove to be disastrous in an emergency.

“If the patrons have to exit quickly, this could escalate into a panic situation and they would not be able to leave in a safe and orderly fashion,” Assistant Fire Marshal and SKFR Captain Tom Raymond said.

Olson did say that the nightclub’s owners complied quickly with the fire marshals. The club had already complied with the new sprinkler rules and an inspection on the next night found a count that was in line with the limits. Olson said the owners had put in strict counting controls at the door to prevent overcrowding.

They were given a correction notice for the overcrowding and for another issue — an exit door that stuck.

Engine companies and the fire marshal conduct nightlife inspections monthly and give out correction notices in about 30 percent of those inspections, spokeswoman Kirsti Weaver said.