06/18/2022
On this day in 2007 nine Charleston firefighters died in the Sofa Super Store fire. This was the deadliest firefighter disaster in the US since the 9/11 attacks. The fire was believed to have started in some discarded furniture in the loading dock area, and though the source of ignition has been left undetermined, there is reason to believe it may have been a discarded cigarette.
The first arriving engine company found a rapidly growing fire at the loading dock which connected the showroom to the warehouse. The Assistant Chief entered the main showroom entrance but did not find any signs of fire or smoke. However, within minutes the fire rapidly spread into main showroom and the warehouse. The burning furniture quickly generated a huge amount of toxic and highly flammable gasses. The interior crews became disoriented when thick black smoke filled the showrooms from ceiling to floor. They realized they were in trouble and began to radio for assistance as the heat intensified.
One fire fighter activated the emergency button on his radio. The front showroom windows were knocked out and firefighters were sent inside to search for the missing firefighters. Soon after, the flammable mixture of combustion by-products ignited, and fire raced through the main showroom. Interior fire fighters were caught in the rapid-fire progression and nine fire fighters died. At least nine other fire fighters barely escaped serious injury.
In the years that followed significant tactical, operational, and code changes were implemented in the Charleston Fire Department and throughout the country. In honoring these men, we learn from our tragedies.
