Nine Firefighters Killed in South Carolina Fire

It's with a heavy heart that I report to you the death of nine Charleston, SC firefighters.

At approximately 7:00 pm EST on Monday evening a fire broke out at the Sofa Superstore in Charleston. According to reports, the firefighters were killed when the roof of the warehouse collapsed, trapping the men inside.

Eyewitnesses stated that as many as four employees of the store were rescued by the on-duty firefighters.

At the time of the report, seven of the firefighters' bodies were allegedly identified with two listed as missing.source

This blaze is one of the deadliest in the history of the fire service in terms of firefighter fatalities. Aside from the World Trade Center Attacks, last night's Charleston fire claimed the most firefighter fatalities since the 1999 Worcester Cold Storage fire in Worcester, MA claimed six of that city's bravest.source

As a professional firefighter myself, it is hard to hear about any line of duty death. To hear that nine bothers perished...in the manner in which they perished...makes this a dark day for the fire service.

As firefighters...paid or volunteer...we are men & women doing a job because we love to do it. We ask for no special thanks, no parades and no medals. We shun the spotlight and, ultimately, only wish for the right tools for the job...and if possible a slap on the back and a "nice job" every now and then.

As we are fond of saying...Firemen are no braver than the average person. We're just brave for fifteen minutes longer.

I'm losing focus at this point...and only wish to say that every now and then...think of your local fire department. For every scandal you may hear of...for every report you may hear that we're "overpaid & underworked"...for every negative thing you might hear...just remember that there are 1000 good deeds that go unreported.

Please remember to keep your local fire department in your thoughts as we watch over your homes & your families.

thats very sad.

My condolences to all thier families, friends and fellow fighters.

Heros.

Very very sad. Thanks to all who risk life and limb like this.

Thanks for posting this Cash. I remember how all of the communities around here were affected by the Worcester fire, and I don't ever wish that kind of thing on any community anywhere. My condolences to the families and friends of the fallen.

Jesus, what a disaster.

I'll apologize in advance....but it really fucking pisses me off that this story is getting less coverage than a rich girl who went to jail for a traffic violation.

Nine guys died last night. Nine guys died because they went to work and did their jobs...a job that I do for 42 hours a week. Two civilians are alive because these guys walked into a burning warehouse and got them out.

Nine guys left wives, children, mothers, fathers....family behind because they swore an oath to protect the life & property of the people of their city...that same oath I took in my city. There but for the grace of God go I.

I know that this story isn't being completely ignored. It's made the rounds on most of the major news outlets...but I can't shake the feeling that in a week, it'll be forgotten. I mean really...how many of you know who the Worcester Six are?

I don't mean to be whiny or preachy....but this just happens to strike a nerve with me.

I wouldn't fault you for that feeling at all.

Worcester Six died in an abandoned warehouse about 10 years ago - I may be off slightly on the date. About 20 years before Worcester was the Waldbaum's fire when 6 members of the FDNY perished. I lived much of my life on Long Island where all Firemen are volunteers (many who are working for the FDNY).

It always sucks when folks who are just doing their jobs die trying to make life better for the rest of us.

Nine Charleston, SC firefighters and this thread gets 11 comments. I am not surprised I am just disappointed.

No need to apologize man. Your anger is justified.

Sorry to hear about this Cash.

Respect.

Wow. I just found out about this

In spades.

These guys deserve every bit of respect we can give them.

R.I.P.

This is so very sad.

and the FDNY loses one tonight. What the hell is going on in the fire service?

Greater love hath no man, , ,

Vaya Con Dios

It is a noble job, very old fashioned, but life is on the line every time you clock in. I don't live that way, but God bless those that do.