Posted on 06/18/2007 10:22:48 PM PDT by Hillarys Gate Cult
The search is underway for as many as seven missing firefighters at the scene of a West Ashley fire. Charleston Mayor Joe Riley told reporters that several firefighters from three different local agencies were unaccounted for after the Sofa Superstore collapsed, but provided no further details.
The fire broke out late Monday afternoon, shutting down part of Highway 17 near Wappoo Road. Flames were spotted shooting from the roof and thick black smoke billowed into the sky and could be seen as far away as James Island.
Local residents and bystanders attempted to assist firefighters contain the fire. Some moved hoses and directed traffic. A man who lived behind the building tried to help fight the fire with a garden hose.
One of the witnesses told Live 5 News that he was about thirty yards away from the building when it collapsed and said that the building appeared to just sink to the ground.
Full time Charleston firefighters are some of the lowest paid in the nation for similar sized cities. Their pensions are abysmal.
Tragic SC ping.
Dear Lord, may the spirit of these men never be forgotten; hold them tight and tell 'em thanks from all the people they helped; let their families not suffer long, but their memories of great deeds, duty and honor live forever in them; let their hearts be open to the wonders that await these giants of men; and to your love, and to your healing, and to your compassion.
Amen
As many as nine firefighters may have been killed in a collapse at a store fire in Charleston, South Carolina Monday. Multiple sources told Firehouse.com tonight that seven firefighters were confirmed dead, and at least two others missing. The incident would be the largest loss of firefighters in a structural fire, not including 9/11, in over 30 years. More details will be posted shortly.
one of the Mayday FF’s missing, announced on the radio to tell his wife that he loves her.
It's heartbreaking that something like this would happen and that there would be such a great loss among these brave firefighters.
Thank you for the sad update, Karl. The fire is described as tornado-like in one article. I do not know much about fire fighting but "tornado-like" sounded very unusual.
I lift them up to God, with prayers for their safety...
How incredibly sad...
Prayers for the brave firefighters who were welcomed into heaven as heroes tonight — May they rest in peace. Prayers also for their families, friends, and the whole community — that God will bring them all comfort, and peace in the midst of this horrible tragedy... Prayers also for those injured and their families — that they may be healed and comforted as well...
That is a beautiful poem, and one I have never heard before. Thank you for sharing it.
I agree, just looked it up, it’s a Fallen Firefighter’s Prayer. God Bless their souls, all that perished in the line of duty in the Charleston fire.
To the fallen- Requiesat in Pace and prayers for the missing and all the families.
Full time Charleston firefighters are some of the lowest paid in the nation for similar sized cities. Their pensions are abysmal.That is the way it is in the county I used to live in (Forsyth County, Georgia). However, there was a line of people waiting to become full time firefighters there. Despite the risks, it's an extremely popular (and rewarding) career. The low salaries are driven by the law of supply and demand.
My computer suddenly crashed and I'm just getting back online. Thank you for the link and the photos, Karl!
prayer bump
Prayers sent
BTTT
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A Charleston County fire and rescue official says nine bodies were removed from the scene of a fire at a furniture store.
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