We now have the first report from a Federal investigation into the fire that killed nine Charleston firefighters. The report is a rough draft from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, of what happened the night of the Sofa Super Store fire.

Nine firefighters died in the blaze, but the report shows at least six others who were inside barely made it to safety, and it details a host of problems that fire fighters had to face on June 18, 2007.

NIOSH investigators say the first Battalion Chief on the scene reported a bunch of trash burning on the side of building, but within minutes the fire rapidly engulfed the store, leaving nine firefighters dead.

The report includes a timeline that shows what happened in the first 40 minutes after crews arrived.

At 7:07 p.m. the fire department was dispatched to the Sofa Super Store, and three minutes later crews are on the scene.

At 7:13 p.m. the acting chief is inside the building and opens a door in the showroom, revealing heavy fire on the loading dock. A minute later the acting chief says on the radio that the fire is spreading in the showroom.

At 7:16 p.m. Chief Rusty Thomas arrives.

At 7:27 p.m. a store employee trapped in the warehouse behind the store calls for help.
Two minutes later distress calls from firefighters inside the store calling for help.

Minutes later the trapped employee is safe, but mayday calls are heard on the radio.

At 7:35 p.m., the chief orders the front windows be knocked out, and five firefighters escape the burning building.

Thirty minutes after the first firefighters entered the building Chief Thomas says no more firefighters are to go inside.

Meanwhile crews radio for increased water pressure.
Investigators say the burning furniture created toxic and flammable gases, and the smoke inside the building was so thick the firefighters' visibility dropped to zero.

The report says the firefighters died of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, and extreme heat.

This is a not the final report from NIOSH and no recommendations for changes have been made yet. The City of Charleston and International Association of Firefighters Union will have the chance to make suggestions before NIOSH releases a final report.

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