During a recent vacation to visit friends in Charleston/SC, I had the oppurtunity to view the site of Sofa Super Store fire which tragically ended the lives of 9 firefighters in June of 2007. I apollogize for the condition of the photos, but it was raining off and on throughout the day.

I was told the city, union, & the firefighters families were still trying to come up with a permanent memorial for the firefighters. At this point the city took over the property and fenced the area off. Flags are placed at 9 spots where all the bodies were recovered, with a larger flag placed in the center of the property. Small mementos were placed around the individual flags, most notable a childrens fire chief's pedal car.

Those Lost

I won't try to list all the actions taken as you can click the different sites and read for yourself. I can't help but think how easily this could happen here in the city or anywhere in Berks county.

(Aerial view after the fire from the Charleston Post & Courier)

Charleston Super Sofa Store Fire

Interactive Timeline of Events from the post & courier

Download Final Report From NIOSH

Charleston Fire Department (City Site)

Charleston Firefighters Union